The Mudcat Café TM
Thread #9425   Message #564221
Posted By: wysiwyg
03-Oct-01 - 11:32 AM
Thread Name: History of spirituals
Subject: RE: History of spirituals
CLICK HERE for photo and the following, from Bill Steber:

While most contemporary churches have abandoned river and lake baptisms in favor or indoor baptismal tanks, the rural congregations of the Northwest Delta still gather together on the first Sunday in September to baptize yearly candidates in Moon Lake, just as they have for generations. It is at these baptism ceremonies where one can still hear spirituals sung in a style that predates modern gospel music. Songs are begun spontaneously by women song leaders and the congregation sings the lines as they are introduced in the classic call and response style which is the hallmark of African-American music, from spirituals to work chants to blues and jazz.