Black Church

Lay Witness Sunday At Historic Emanuel AME Church

The Historic Emanuel AME Church in Portsmouth celebrated Lay Witness Sunday under the theme “While We Were Yet Sinners,” featuring a message by NJG Publisher Brenda H. Andrews and a gathering of community members, including the I.C. Norcom Class of 1971.
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PORTSMOUTH

The Emanuel Lay Organization of the Historic Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church of Portsmouth officiated during Lay Witness on Sunday, October 12, 2025 under the theme: “While We Were Yet Sinners” from Romans 5:8-11. Guest speaker, New Journal and Guide Publisher Brenda H. Andrews, delivered a message from the topic “The 3 P’s: Power-Patience-Praise.” Visitors included members of the I.C. Norcom Class of 1971 worshipping as a group.

Emanuel dates to 1772, three years before the American Revolution. The present building was built by enslaved and free Blacks in one year and was dedicated in 1857. It was one of the stations on the Underground Railroad. Officiants for the morning worship service were First Lady Frankie Colvin, Sis. Elizabeth Swilley, Sis. Regina Humphrey, Sis. Pam Blackwell, Sis. Seryda Foster, Rev. Dr. Willie M. Beamon, Bro. Thomas Langston, Bro. Curtis Hurdle, and Sis. Ruby Greer. Rev. Sylvester B. Colvin is the Pastor.