The Bristal Hosts Rev. Dr. Erwin Lee Trolinger Jr. and Gospel Choir

The Calvary Baptist Church Gospel Choir led by Reverend Dr. Erwin Lee Trolinger, Jr., the Pastor of The Calvary Baptist Church and President of the Ministers Fellowship Council of White Plains and vicinity performed and explained the hidden meaning of historic Gospel songs to residents of The Bristal Assisted Living at White Plains.

Reverend Trolinger taught The Bristal at White Plains residents how Gospel Music influenced the history and culture of African Americans from slavery to the present. Among the songs The Calvary Baptist Church Gospel Choir shared with the residents of The Bristal at White Plains:

• Swing Low Sweet Chariot
• Shall We Gather at the River
• Wade in the Water
• I Hear Someone Calling My Name
• Amazing Grace

According to Reverend Trolinger, “Gospel Music was a coded language utilized by slaves as they were preparing their escape to freedom. The song O’ Canaan, was a coded message alerting the slaves that tonight was the night they would flee to Canada.”

Dr. Trollinger says the song Shall We Gather at the River also had a special hidden meaning. “The plantation owner’s dogs could not track the scent of fleeing slaves when they entered the river. While the owners viewed the slaves as unintelligent these coded messages underscored just how smart and accomplished they were.” Reverend Trolinger must say that other communities understand the importance and the hidden meaning of Gospel Music.

The Bristal Assisted Living

The Bristal Assisted Living communities have been serving families across the tri-state area for 25 years. The Bristal offers independent living, assisted living, and memory care at its 24 communities in Westchester County, New Jersey, Nassau County, Suffolk County, and Manhattan. For more information about services or locations, please visit thebristal.com