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SALT LAKE CITY — From songs of survival to songs of hope and faith, the Calvary Baptist Church had it all in this year's Heritage Musical event, held annually to honor Black History Month.
A diverse congregation gathered Sunday evening at the church, located at 1090 S. State Street, to experience the sounds and spirit of the African-American experience.
To be there was to be enveloped. There was clapping, hands spontaneously reaching into the sky, impromptu sing-alongs, toddlers giggling and bouncing alongside women in beautiful, colorful hats and warm, sincere affirmations of "Yessir," "That's all right" and "Amen."
The Rev. France Davis led the participants, introducing songs from five different periods, beginning in Africa and spanning slavery, reconstruction, segregation and the Civil Rights Movement.
We tried to find songs that were either written and produced or were popularized in those time periods so they reflect history over those different periods in American history and African American history.
–Rev. France Davis
"We tried to find songs that were either written and produced or were popularized in those time periods so they reflect history over those different periods in American history and African American history," he said.
But, during the program, he spoke of the deeper meaning the songs held.
"These songs show the historic record of the struggle for survival, freedom and liberty," Davis said. "There are songs of anguish … encouragement."
He quoted Fredrick Douglass in explaining what inspired the music: "Whatever came up, came out."
Davis has been leading the event with his compelling voice and enthusiasm since 1974. The program itself has been held on the fourth Sunday of February for the last 50 or so years.
"What I love about this is the variety of music," he said. "People of different backgrounds and experience all need music to speak in their lives. When I speak about music being the medicine for the soul, I mean that variety."
The theme this year was "Singing the Lord's Song in a Strange Land," which initially reflected the songs of the slaves and evolved to represent the music of God's faithful on earth. Davis said Gospel is one of the current styles of music that unites people today.
Ralph Currington sang in the choir, which was the product of four separate choirs that had been culled together for the event. He said it's there for anyone who wants to be a part.
"There's no audition to sing for the Lord."
He said they had been practicing since December and that he especially loved singing "Wade in the Water," which Davis said was written about the trek many escaped slaves made over the frozen Ohio River.
"I felt the Holy Spirit," Currington said.
But it was just as much about the celebration of culture and heritage as it was the music. Jacci Jenson, a Salt Lake City native who has been attending the church for over 50 years, came to participate wearing traditional African attire.
"We do this to back to our heritage," she said. "We don't often talk about it so the celebration brings it to the forefront. We can discuss it and see how far we've come and see how much we've grown."
E-mail: emorgan@desnews.com
