Mount Olivet Church Adds Service to Celebrate Juneteenth

From Mount Olivet Baptist Church

This is a time to reflect and rejoice in preparation for the upcoming Juneteenth celebration of Freedom in the City of Peekskill.  The historic Mount Olivet Baptist Church (MOBC) has added a community worship service to the roster of events Peekskill has slated to commemorate this years Juneteenth programming.  

The entire Peekskill community will be able to experience a religious element offered by MOBC which is now, under the leadership of Reverend Dr. Robert E. Young.   “As the Pastor of Mount Olivet, I thought it was imperative to the community to emphasize the spiritual aspect of Juneteenth and the Black Church’s role in freedom and liberation.”   

Juneteenth or June 19, 1865, is considered the date when the last slaves in America were freed. Although the rumors of freedom were widespread prior to this, actual emancipation did not come until General Gordon Granger rode into Galveston, Texas and issued General Order No. 3, on June 19, almost two and a half years after President Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation. It symbolizes the end of slavery. Juneteenth has come to symbolize for many African-Americans what the fourth of July symbolizes for all Americans -- freedom. It serves as a historical milestone reminding Americans of the triumph of the human spirit over the cruelty of slavery. It honors those African-Americans ancestors who survived the inhumane institution of bondage and additionally demonstrates pride in the marvelous legacy of resistance and perseverance they left.

 All are welcome to join in the community worship service, which will take place at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, June 15 at Mt. Olivet Baptist Church located at 11 G. Franklin Wiggins Plaza in Peekskill, NY.  Rev. Dr. William H. Curtis will be the guest preacher.  Reverend Dr. Curtis serves as the Senior Pastor of Mt. Ararat Baptist Church in Pittsburgh, Pa.; he  is also past President of the Hampton University Minister’s Conference and Choir and Organist Guild.  At Mount Olivet  the congregation is encouraged to serve and grow and by doing so,  Mt Olivet seeks to foster change that benefits all citizens and to uplift the the motto that we are “Stronger Together".