#Black church ushers series#

Here are some excerpts of online articles about these subjects: I believe that the gloves that Black (African American) ushers wear are white because the color white symbolizes purity and cleanliness. I believe that the custom of Black ushers wearing gloves is tied to the symbolism that was attached to wearing gloves throughout history -particularly the history of the Catholic church and the history of the order of Masons. HERE'S WHAT I THINK ARE THE REAL REASONS WHY BLACK USHERS WEAR WHITE GLOVES AS PART OF THEIR USHER ATTIRE While some African Americans attended the same churches as White people in the late 19th and early 20th century, I don't know of any documentation of Black people serving as ushers in those congregations. With all due respect to people who have passed along these explanations for why Black church ushers wear white gloves, I believe these theories aren't based on historical facts. The average black person won't know because they never researched or ask. 'Usher's originally wore white gloves in the slavery days because whites claimed to see the slave's hand if they were stealing. This commenter is replying to the question 'Why do ushers wear white gloves?' Here's a re-wording of that same explanation that I came across in the discussion thread for this YouTube video: h ttps://video is showcased in Part I of this pancocojams series. 'Why' is probably a typo for the word 'while'. My understanding is back during slavery time when the slave served in white churches they had to wear white gloves and place the one hand behind the back.so the slaves wouldn't take from the offering plate as they served aisles to aisles why ushering.' They also wore the white gloves because again they were not trusted and the white church members did not want to touch their skin. Slaves were asked to put their arms behind their backs so they could be watched to be sure they were not stealing the money during collection time. Anyhow growing up we were told that this was an old slave tradition in the deep south. 'I'm from the hills of Alabama and some information like this is hard to verify because it is information that was passed on from generation to generation. Why Ushers Wore White Gloves by Ann Brock, February 4, 2018 Thanks to the publisher of this embedded YouTube video.Ĭlick the 'Black Church Procession' tag for more pancocojams posts on this subject. The content of this post is presented for historical and cultural purposes.Īll copyrights remain with their owners. That article excerpt also includes a section on the ushers' Grand March. Part III showcases a video of a Church Ushers Grand March and showcases an article excerpt about the roles of the Black Church ushers. Part I presents a video of Black church ushers and presents excerpts from three articles about African American church ushers.Ĭlick for Part III of this pancocojams series. This post also presents some theories about why African American ushers wear gloves as part of their usher attire.Ĭlick for Part I of this pancocojams series. This post showcases a video of African American ushers marching during an annual church Usher Day.

#Black church ushers series#

“Study to show ourselves approved unto God, a workman needeth not be ashamed (2 Timothy 2:15).Edited by Azizi Powell This is Part II of a pancocojams series on African American church ushers. A Christian Church usher is a Servant of Christ therefore, we should do our very best. “Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.” (Acts 20:28). I had rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than to dwell in the tents of wickedness.” (Psalms 84:10).

“For a day in thy courts better than a thousand. As highlighted in Psalms, we are to be doorkeepers. Mission Statement: The purpose of the Ushers of Faith at Hopewell Missionary Baptist Church is assist Bishop Sheals, church leadership and the Church in fulfilling the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20) of helping people become fully functioning followers of Christ, teaching the tenants of Christianity, and equipping every believer for a significant ministry by helping them discover the gifts and talents God gave them (Ephesians 4:11-16).