On a Sunday afternoon, February 15, St. Paul’s Fort Erie hosted an event that was unlikely for so many reasons. A 50-voice gospel choir and praise band from Buffalo crossed the border to fill the sanctuary and nave with music, love and respect. Aside from the organizational leaders from St Paul’s and Buffalo churches, it brought together 200 people in the sanctuary who would have otherwise not met.
The Harriet Tubman Choir was especially formed for this event from 18 churches across Buffalo. They sang with an exhilarating energy and disarming sincerity. Their contagious enthusiasm is a testament to their faith, a faith that sustained their ancestors in their fight against slavery in their country. The choir’s short trip across the Peace Bridge retraced the final steps of the Underground Railway.
As part of a British colony where slavery had been abolished, the citizens of Fort Erie welcomed men, women and children to a land of freedom. They fled bondage, exploitation, beatings and sexual assault. To be sure, there were many acts of kindness to provide transit, to lend a hand, or to prepare a meal; however, it needs to be said that their reception was far from ideal. The colony already had a history of 200 years of slavery, and the pervading racist attitudes and practices sharply limited Black people’s opportunities.
Nevertheless, that afternoon, L. Nathan Hare, a Black historian, generously spoke at length about what Upper Canada did. He found humour in Canada’s history. But he was nearly in tears when he was shown a $10 bill with Viola Desmond’s face on it during the concert. “Canada put a black woman’s face on your currency?” he asked. He stayed away from entering the fray of current politics but did say, “Our community has been living under ICE our entire lives”.
The Gospel Hour event was a “written on a paper napkin” idea, or more precisely, a text that started with “Maybe this is a stupid idea…” But it unfolded in a way that reaffirmed the power of an invitation. Bessie Patterson, the choir director, was honoured and thrilled to receive the invitation to bring a Gospel Choir to St Paul’s. “This was a simple idea that turned into an inspirational experience where we could show how much we valued one another. They thanked us for the humble invitation, and we showed our love and admiration,” recounts organizer Rob Everett.
They assembled, sang praise and then astounded all 150 of us in attendance. As Julia mentioned, “It moved me deeply. I got lost in the music.” Sharon, another audience member, experienced first-hand how “God’s message through music is inspiring and uplifting. The love they exude is contagious and reaffirming.” There was dancing, clapping, and bebopping to the music. All present felt invigorated
Thirteen Years Twice