Rev. Dr. Erwin Lee Trolinger, Jr. Speaks to Residents of The Bristal

The Reverend Dr. Erwin Lee Trolinger, Jr., the Pastor of The Calvary Baptist Church and President, Ministers Fellowship Council of White Plains and Vicinity spoke to residents of The Bristal Assisted Living at White Plains about the Music of Praise and Freedom: How Gospel Music has influenced the history and culture of African Americans from slavery to the present.

Reverend Trolinger was joined by members of The Calvary Baptist Church Gospel band and singers. Among the songs they shared with the residents of The Bristal:

• 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 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 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 actually were.”

It is important Reverend Trolinger says that other communities understand the importance and the hidden meaning of Gospel Music.