In 1881, a group of Daufuskie Island residents decided that the praise houses that were constructed during the era of slavery were no longer sufficient for the body of believers who wanted to worship together. Therefore, having already purchased twelve acres in the middle of the island, they constructed and opened the First Union African Baptist church as a place where all could gather for the common and unifying purpose of glorifying the Lord. While a fire would claim the original building in just a few years, the faithful congregation quickly reacted with sacrificial giving to facilitate the construction of another church, which opened its doors in 1885. This “new” church is still in use today, serving as a pillar of our unique and loving community.
To say that the church has witnessed transformation in the intervening years is as much of an understatement as can be uttered. Mankind has now walked on the moon, information can be transmitted globally in seconds at the touch of a button, and people can easily traverse the length of the island in electric golf carts before entering into air-conditioned spaces that defy the heat of summer. The island’s population went from the thousands, to less than seventy, to now more than five hundred. Yet it is within the church itself that perhaps the most stunning transformation took place: whereas the founders likely bore the literal scars of slavery that had been imposed by the plantation bosses, today the island Gullah natives worship side-by-side with the diverse population that now calls Daufuskie home.
What makes such unity possible is not so much the things that have changed, but rather the one thing that has not changed – Jesus. It is a non-negotiable point that a person who desires to be a disciple of Jesus must cast aside all that is in them that is contrary to the nature of Jesus. For those who will deny themselves, take up their cross, and follow Jesus, they will forgive, they will be patient, they will earnestly try to love their neighbors, and they will rejoice when even the unlikeliest of souls desires to worship Jesus alongside them. And even as I realize that this vision of Christianity often seems difficult to find in America, it is precisely the approach to Christianity that thrives at the only church on Daufuskie.
This Sunday, the church will commemorate 144 years of worship with our annual anniversary celebration. There will be a guest preacher, guest musician, some of the island natives to share stories of days gone by, and then a fellowship meal following the service. What would top it off would be having you join us for the fun. Bring your favorite side dish, if you can, but please know that we would much rather have you come empty-handed than not come at all. Service starts at 10:00, with the meal to follow immediately after service.
Hope to see you there! Peace and blessings – Pastor Aaron