St. Philips Moravian Church Reenacts Emancipation Proclamation Reading on Juneteenth

St. Philips Moravian Church and the Salem Congregation recently commemorated Juneteenth with a reenactment of the Worship in Celebration of Freedom, marking the reading of the Emancipation Proclamation as it was done by Union forces on May 21, 1865. The event, held on June 19, 2026, brought together members of the congregation and the broader community to reflect on the historical significance of the proclamation.

The reenactment included the reading of the Emancipation Proclamation, a practice that took place at St. Philips Moravian Church in 1865 when Union forces delivered the document to the congregation. Participants dressed in Union soldiers’ attire, portraying historical figures such as Lt. David Cockley and Chaplain Seth Clark, who had brought the proclamation to the church. Their presence added a tangible connection to the past, emphasizing the church’s role in the narrative of freedom and emancipation.

The Moravian Archives played a key role in the event, bringing historical documents related to the Emancipation Proclamation to the reenactment. Sabina Garity, assistant director of the Moravian Archives, Southern Province, engaged with attendees to discuss these materials, offering insight into the church’s historical contributions and the broader context of the proclamation’s delivery.

Members of the congregation, including Brittany Vaughn and her fiancé Phillip Samuda, participated in singing hymns during the reenactment, underscoring the spiritual and communal aspects of the celebration. Similarly, Terri and Timothy Dortch joined in the singing, highlighting the enduring legacy of faith and freedom within the Moravian tradition.

The event served as a reminder of the Moravian Church’s historical engagement with social justice and the pursuit of liberty. By reenacting the reading of the Emancipation Proclamation, the church honored its past while reaffirming its commitment to the values of justice and compassion. This act aligns with the biblical call to seek peace and justice, as seen in Micah 6:8, which emphasizes doing justice, loving mercy, and walking humbly with God.

Through such commemorations, St. Philips Moravian Church continues to engage with its heritage, fostering a deeper understanding of its role in the history of freedom and the ongoing pursuit of a more just society. The event also highlighted the importance of preserving historical records, as emphasized in Proverbs 18:17, which underscores the value of examining evidence in matters of dispute.

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