Morristown’s Bethel AME Church will host a New Year’s Eve “Watch Night” service, a tradition in African American churches that recalls the night in 1862 when blacks held a vigil for the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation.
Pastor Sidney Williams Jr. said the 10 pm service will include:
- A memorial of those who passed away this year.
- A litany of remembrance for those who fought for emancipation and civil rights
- Spirituals and Hymns celebrating hope for tomorrow
- Payers for those who are unjustly incarcerated
The church is at 59 Spring St.
Here is a PBS documentary about Watch Night, also known as Freedom’s Eve.
