The Nashville ‘Globe’ was one of Tennessee’s most prominent African American-owned newspapers in the early 20th century. In publication from 1906 to the 1930s, it occasionally reported stories from Lawrence County’s African American community.

In January 1917, the paper’s Lawrenceburg correspondent wrote an article detailing how several local African American families spent Christmas 1916. The picture it paints is of an active, organized, and close-knit group of people celebrating, worshiping, and serving together during the holiday season.

The article says: “Christmas was the quietest witnessed in the history of Lawrenceburg. Drunkenness was put away by those who are frequent users of rum. Xmas day was a great day. Sunrise meeting at St. John M.E. Church was spiritual in the highest form.

“Mr. and Mrs. J.H. Bumpass entertained at breakfast Christmas day. Mr. and Mrs. M.L. Wigfall entertained at dinner Rev. and Mrs. Sebastian Xmas eve. Mr. and Mrs. George Symington entertained at supper Christmas evening Dr. and Mrs. Sebastian. Dr. and Mrs. B.L. Burrows Christmas night was one of the greatest events of Xmas, by way of a concert, led by Mrs. B.L. Burrows and Mrs. J.W. Sebastian.

“The post office which afforded the presents, was heavily laden. The presents were managed and distributed by Dr. B.L. Burrows. Everybody’s heart was made happy as their names were called. On Tuesday Dr. and Mrs. B.L. Burrows were highly entertained by Mr. and Mrs. Robert Linam at dinner.

“All the churches Sunday had their doors thrown ajar, with their pastors at their posts respectively with few exceptions. St. Paul Baptist Chruch had a lively meeting. Rev. W.M. Watts filling the pulpit in the absence of the pastor, Rev. C.C. Cade. Rev. J.W. Sebastian was on duty Sunday morning, preaching from Micah 2:10. Sunday watched the old year go out and the new year come in with a high, spiritual wave and a heart full of thanksgiving to God for the past year’s blessings.

“Rev. J.C. Carter delivered the Watch Meeting sermon. Mr. and Mrs. W.L. Wigfall entertained Dr. and Mrs. Burrows Sunday. Mr. and Mrs. J.A. Bumpass entertained Rev. and Mrs. J.W. Sebastian at dinner.”

The Watch Night tradition is observed across the country in African American churches. A commemoration of the Emancipation Proclamation, which took effect on January 1, 1863, the Watch Night service, according to the Smithsonian Institute, “typically begins around 7 pm on December 31 and lasts through midnight, as faith leaders guide congregants in praise and worship.

“Many congregants across the nation bow in prayer minutes before the midnight hour as they sing out ‘Watchman, watchman please tell me the hour of the night.’ In return the minister replies ‘it is three minutes to midnight’; ‘it is one minute before the new year’; and ‘it is now midnight, freedom has come,’ to bless their transition into the new year.”

Have you ever attended a Watch Night service? Share your memories in the comments!