Last week I was required to attend my first Baptist service at 80 Legion Parkway Messiah Baptist Church in Brockton. My journalism professor told the class it would be an upbeat service with music and explained how taking communion is a communal process – everyone takes it at the same time. I checked out the website and we chose programs to write feature stories on, but other than that, I didn’t know what to expect.
When we arrived, we met the reverend and my class sat in the first few pews together. We quickly realized, being a white group of students, we were the minority. Given my privilege of being a young, white woman who goes to a predominantly white institution, this never happens.
The building didn’t look like a Catholic church. There was no grand architecture, high ceilings or stained glass windows. There was no big altar. There were a couple of podiums and a picture of a black Jesus. There were pews at the front of the room, facing the audience, for the choir. It was simple and relaxed. I was comfortable.
The female minister began the service. She talked about American history and how it’s important for us – all of us, black and white – to learn about it. She said many black people didn’t choose to come to the United States, but they were brought here, and slavery didn’t only happen in the south, it happened in Boston, too. It’s a part of our history and both races need to be educated about it. She’s right.
“Stonehill College” was written in the mass newsletter and program, announcing that we were attending the mass. The minister thanked us for coming and invited my professor to say a few words to the church. She thanked them for having us and explained our projects.
You can imagine how I felt on a Sunday morning at 11, after a night out, with only time to eat a banana on the way and, of course, I forgot to bring my water bottle into the church with me. My professor seemed to forget to mention it was a two-hour long service, too. Despite that, I witnessed love, devotion and inclusiveness. Everyone was friendly and visibly happy to be there. The choir smiled as they sang with true passion and love for God. The three young men playing instruments were fully engaged: one tore up the organ, one on the drums and one played the violin for some songs. Reverend Walker was emotional and sweating after his beautiful sermon about challenges. After communion was over and the mass came to a close, people came up to the class and hugged us, saying “thank you for coming” and “I hope you come back again.”
To be honest, I never felt like I belonged in the Catholic churches I’d been to. My parents put me through CCD and church when I didn’t want to go. I never felt connected to the prayers and words everyone was whispering and mumbling around me. I felt uncomfortable and awkward, but this was different. This was relaxed, and you could see that people really wanted to be there. You could see their love and devotion, and it was evident that we were welcome in their space. If you feel you down or need your spirits lifted, attend one of the services at 80 Legion Parkway in Brockton, and I’m sure you’ll be welcomed with open arms.
