Govans Presbyterian Church dedicated a work commissioned from a local Black artist Sunday, Feb. 9, during a 10:30 a.m. service at the church. The work celebrates diversity and is part of a years-long effort by the church to recognize the role of racism in its founding on a former plantation. It also helps create a welcoming space for all parishioners.
The work represents a milestone in the work of the church’s Racial Justice Committee. Formed in 2021 by the mostly White congregation, the committee undertook years of research that revealed a legacy of racism, including that the church was founded in 1844 by enslavers on land that had been part of an 18th century plantation worked by enslaved men and women. After the Civil War, its leaders discussed, but rejected, the idea of building a segregated church for Black worshipers on the property. A search of records showed no Black members well into the 20th century. Through efforts to welcome the neighboring communities to the church, Its congregation is now blessedly diverse and the new artwork is designed to reflect that as well as balance the euro-centric worldview depicted in stained glass windows – including one by Tiffany Studios – and other decorations in the sanctuary.
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