By Zoe Earle and Bria Washington with SGJC Student News Network
BALTIMORE – Morgan State University Memorial Chapel was filled with praise as students and members of the community came together to celebrate Good Friday and the beginning of Easter weekend.
The 4 p.m. service was boisterous, kicking off with “The Anthem and Lord I Lift Your Name OnHigh” performed by the Morgan State choir. The ensemble consisted of Amanda Holmes, Aaron Newlon Jr., Kristen Davenport, Cimone Austin, Kenya Brathwaite, and Zion Watters. Kj Scott served as the event's percussionist, and Sean Chatman was on the keyboards.
The Good Friday service was centered around the Seven Last Words of Jesus during his public crucifixion for the great exchange, his righteousness for the sins of all people.
Sermons were presented by Minister Nicholas Paxton, Rev. Johnathan Lewis Jr., Rev. Lawrence Lockett Jr., Rev. Clarence A. Wayman, Minister Madison Bryson, Rev. Rudy Lee Daniel III, and Rev. Tevin D. Smith.
Each of the individual's praises were all connected to one of the last words. Touching on topics from forgiveness to salvation and having a personal connection with the Lord.
At the end of the service, Bryson, a junior biology major, explained that this was only her fifth time preaching to a congregation and explained how she prepares for such an important task: “I can preach whatever is in my heart regardless, but I just have to be so deep in my word. I have my own bible study with God and what I learn is what I share with other people.”
Dasia Wyatt, a junior and service attendant, said that giving your worries to God is the sermon that stuck with her the most: “I have a lot going on mentally and emotionally, and I am trying to figure everything out on my own, but I can’t. So, giving my worries to God allows his plan to unfold the way it should.”
Although Easter egg hunts and receiving baskets were childish pursuits but now a a thing of the past for young adults here, the spirit was greatly felt across campus as students explained their personal connection to the holiday and how they planned to celebrate.
Ferdinand Nyivih, junior, said “As a nondenominational Christian, Easter highlights the ultimate sacrifice and with that I feel like we all owe at least one day to celebrate him.” Nyivih added the importance of this holiday from a cultural perspective: “This is a time for everyone to come together to celebrate and strengthen our sense of community. Also, you get to show off your style by wearing your Sunday's best.”
Ellis Steide, junior, mentioned the importance of family on such a major holiday, and expressed his excitement to travel home for the opportunity to celebrate by having a dinner his mother prepared.
For many other students, long distances and the rise in travel prices made returning home for the weekend nearly impossible. Kenya Brathwaite, a junior from Chicago, will be spending her third Easter away from her family, but that has not discouraged her: “I miss my family every single day. I wish we could attend the same services and do the things that we used to, but Sunday is the highlight of Holy Week and I’m excited! I plan on going to the Morgan Chapel to worship and support my friends that will be preaching.”
The Morgan State Memorial Chapel will hold a 11 a.m. Service on Sunday.