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Baptism, Moon Lake, MS, 1995
While most contemporary churches have abandoned
river and lake baptisms in favor or indoor baptismal tanks, the rural congregations
of the Northwest Delta still gather together on the first Sunday in September
to baptize yearly candidates in Moon Lake, just as they have for generations.
It is at these baptism ceremonies where one can still hear spirituals sung
in a style that predates modern gospel music. Songs are begun spontaneously
by women song leaders and the congregation sings the lines as they are
introduced in the classic call and response style which is the hallmark
of African-American music, from spirituals to work chants to blues and
jazz. |
RealAudio:
Bill Steber
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