Back in the times of slavery in the south the slaves were not allowed to practice their religion how they wanted to. As the great awakening continued on people were looking to express their newfound spirituality through music.
The idea of slaves religious freedom was something that plantation owners weren’t keen on. The plantation owners were afraid of them spreading rebellious ideals so, they made the slaves attend white church services where the singing, clapping, and all out praising they were used to was not encouraged. The slaves, in turn, decided to form their own churches where the plantation owners wouldn’t find them. These churches that always took place at a different location became known as an invisible church. The slaves would risk everything they had just so that they could practice their religion the way they wanted.