On Sunday, April 12, 1936, the ‘saints’ gathering in Jacksonville,…

On Sunday, April 12, 1936, the ‘saints’ gathering in Jacksonville, FL, dedicated the second floor of their assembly auditorium. Black members of the Church of God had held an annual assembly since 1925. Their purpose was to encourage the emergence of Black leadership, promote fellowship at a time when laws excluded Black Americans from many public events, and foster common identity. The celebration included marching, singing, preaching, shouting and dancing. According to reports, “On entering the auditorium Sister Emma Barr was the first to dance upstairs. . . .”