Joyful, thankful, humble, generous. These words describe the service and sacrifice modeled by church members and leaders echoing the history we've explored on this journey from the past through 1792, now grounded in the realities of life in the 21st century. Still, the story of Zion is far from finished. 

'Awake and Sing the Song' - Rev. Archer-Campbell locates an elderly lady at Murray Town where class meeting is still in operation and the Sankey Hymn book is used. She graciously rendered a verse, providing the tune for a near forgotten hymn which records tell us was sung by our settler ancestors when they arrived on dry land in Sierra Leone. 

In memory of Winston Jones. 

[Intro: Awake and Sing the Song of Moses and the Lamb - performed by The Young Trio from the Saint Luke's Episcopal Church of Los Gatos, California, USA] 

[Outro: Amazing Grace - performed by the Africa University Choir June 14, 2015 at Belin Memorial UMC] 

[Image: site of Harmony Hall in old George Street, remnant of a wall erected by Thomas Peters c. 1792] 

(00:00) Introduction

(01:36) Rev. Archer Campbell talks about his family, his work over the years, and the significance of this 230 commemoration

(05:44) Senior Society Steward Rhoda Labor Sesay on her childhood, personal connections to Zion and love for the church

(08:27) Dr. George Gage shares his earliest memories and time as the oldest Zion Trustee including the fond nickname, Father of the Choir

(11:03) Organist Mr. George Songo-King treats us to a hymn

(12:39) Kelvin Savage of the anniversary committee gives an overview of the upcoming celebrations and shares his passion for music ministry

(17:37) Rhoda Labor Sesay talks about the place of the church in its neighboring communities

(19:34) Dr. Gage reflects on what holds the Zion society together

(21:10) Victor Rodney Nelson Streeter the current Choirmaster discusses his family history with the church, his memories, hopes for continued reinvigoration of love and outreach by the church, and importance of strengthening the youth fellowship. I asked if he could share his favorite hymn. Apologies for the sound quality during this call, we had a weak internet connection

(28:20) Dr. Gage looks ahead. I also asked if he could share his favorite hymn

(30:03) Rev. Archer Campbell on passing on our history for future generations

(30:45) Anthony Morgan, his personal impressions and looking ahead

(33:42) Nigel Browne-Davis on revisiting a complex history through an informed lens

(37:37) Akindele Decker reflections and closing thoughts

(47:22) Adrian Labor reflections and closing thoughts

(51:20) Thanks and closeout

This podcast has been a fully volunteer effort toward the Zion Freetown 230 initiative.