Legacy and Significance of Brush “Hush” Arbor Meetings

Introduction

 

In order to inspire hope and collectivity in a situation that devoided them of power, African slaves in North America transformed the living word of Christianity in their clandestine brush “hush” arbor meetings. Upon the enslavement of Africans by Europeans in the “New World,” the newly enslaved people had to cultivate community and faith in order to continue living in such brutal and inhuman conditions. Invisible churches complete with redefined doctrines and coded messages became the remedy.  

 

 

Legacy of Brush Arbor Meetings

Beneath the cover of brush in the ravines and woodlands, brush arbor meetings took place into the night after the churches of enslaved peoples’ masters where the gospels were transformed and enveloped in preaching, praise, and worship through song. In secrecy, muffled by quilts and dampened rags, Africans were able to rewrite the Christian faith to not only spread belief but messages as well (Hush Harbors: The Secret and Sacred Worship of the Enslaved). According to Raboteau, “Texts from the Bible, which most slaves could not read, were explicated by verses from the spirituals. Slaves forbidden by masters to attend church or, in some cases, even to pray, risked floggings to attend secret gatherings to worship God,” (The Secret Religion of the Slaves). The stories and figures of the Bible existed in all time, with the words of the past transplanted into their present reality for guidance in their future; additionally, revolutionary figures from the bible were linked to Africans of great importance, like Harriet Tubman to Moses in “Go Down, Moses.” This was a folk spiritual that signified the presence of Tubman and the immediate preparation of enslaved people to escape their plantations to hopeful freedom. From this, worship clearly offered several outlets of release to the enslaved Africans.

 

Without the organization of these meetings, our ancestors may have perished under the horrific physical conditions and mental turmoil brought about by slavery. Adapted doctrines that they made for their own spiritual needs, clever coding of plans from their masters, and unified faith define the legacy and significance of brush arbor meetings. 

 

Conclusion

Without the organization of these meetings, our ancestors may have perished under the horrific physical conditions and mental turmoil brought about by slavery. Adapted doctrines that they made for their own spiritual needs, clever coding of plans from their masters, and unified faith define the legacy and significance of brush arbor meetings. 

 

References

https://www.theclassroom.com/the-history-of-brush-arbors-12080347.html

https://thelibrary.org/lochist/periodicals/bittersweet/fa75d.html

https://www.loc.gov/item/ihas.200197495/

Hush Harbors: The Secret and Sacred Worship of The Enslaved

OnMusic Companion Textbook

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