History of Homecoming
As told by Brother Benjamin Hawkins
"Homecoming" is a tradition that has been observed throughout generations of God-fearing people. It is one of our missions at Zion Hill Missionary Baptist Church in Piscataway, NJ to continue to honor this very special tradition, worshipping in much the same manner as so many of our ancestors did in the past.
The tradition of Homecoming started during slavery. After plowing and harvesting the crops, certain slave owners would allow their slaves to visit other plantations where they had family and friends. For this occasion, they would wear their finest clothing and prepare their favorite dishes. Once there, they would have a church service. Everyone would have a song to sing, give a testimony and readers would read scripture -in celebration of the Lord's goodness.
The Homecoming celebration would go on well into the night. This tradition continued from generation to generation. And it became even more important after the "Great Migration." (From 1916-1921 our nation's largest internal movement of a group of people occurred with over half a million people of color moving to the North and West in search of a better life.) But for Homecoming, they would return, wearing the latest fashions, fine hats, and eventually, driving brand-new cars.
I saw this first hand. By the 1940's and 50's, as a child I was fascinated by the stories told at homecoming! My church (Old Saint Paul Baptist) was located far in the mountains of Paul Hill in Besemer, Alabama -all the reliable news about the outside world came through the church.
Our church would be filled whenever servicemen came home from war, telling of far away places, different people and customs. Each one of them said their faith and belief in God sustained them and brought them back safely. Just seeing everyone return for homecoming gave us renewed hope. Back then, the average person was born, lived and died in the same county. Most people never ventured more than 100 miles from their birthplace. With no television, no telephones and few electric lights the Church was just the center of everything.
On Sunday, July 16th, 2006 it will be our great pleasure to welcome everyone to Zion Hill Missionary Baptist Church's Annual Homecoming Celebration! Even if you've never been here before, Homecoming will be the perfect time to get together with our members, former members family and friends to join in the celebration. At 3:30 p.m. be prepared to sing a song, read a scripture, give a testimony honoring Jesus Christ our Savior or just listen and enjoy the service. In honor of the tradition of Homecoming, a repast (a BIG down-home cooked meal) will be provided free-of-charge between the 1st and 2nd services (From 1:30-3:30 p.m.)
Homecoming always recaptures a moment lost in time. See you there, and God Bless.
ZION HILL MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH
450 Highland Avenue
Piscataway, NJ 08854
Rev. Leonard Hampton, Pastor
