Palm Sunday Mass at Antioch Baptist Church

I decided to attend Palm Sunday Mass at the Antioch Baptist Church.  I am used to attending Catholic masses where you aren't given the opportunity to speak much and interact with one another, so this was a very different mass for me.  When I first walked in the ushers and greeters were very welcoming and friendly.  I was not the only non-African American person in there, in fact there were a number of Hispanics.  Prior to attending mass, one of the Interim Reverends, Fannie Davis, told me that their community is mainly made up of Hispanics and Asians.  Despite the mixture of races, I did not feel uncomfortable attending mass.  More than anything I was happy the mass was more interactive, and involved with the people.  The Pastors were energetic and had a sense of humor that kept the audience entertained and engaged.  Everyone who made eye contact with me asked how I was doing and greeted me as if they knew me from somewhere.  This made me feel very comfortable and accepted.  I couldn't help but have a smile on my face.  

The Gospel Choir an Antioch Baptist Church's Palm Sunday Mass

I remember, during the Fellowship song everyone got out of their seats and begin walking around hugging and greeting one another.  This was not something I was familiar with at all.  People from the altar were coming to the main floor, pastors were greeting new members and old members, children were acknowledging one another.  It felt really good for all these people who don't even know me to sincerely hug me, shake my hand or ask how I am doing.  I felt equal and safe.  Another memory that stuck with me is the live music that took place at the mass.  This was also something new to me.  I absolutely loved hearing the choir sing, the pianist play and the drummer drum.  Something about loud drums, on a sunny Sunday morning at mass puts me in a good mood.  One elderly man had been a member of the Antioch Baptist Church community for over thirty years.  He was given a special time to say his goodbyes to the entire church.  He was old and very sad and men had to escort him to the podium.  He said that his heart bleeds because he loves his church that much.  As soon as the pianist hit the first key the elderly man burst into perfect song and began singing for the whole church.  It was amazing and something that really stuck with me.  This is when I realized how important song and music is in the African American Community.