Church Service At Seaview United Baptist Church, Africville

Church Service At Seaview United Baptist Church, Africville

Africville’s central community was heavily based around the Seaview United Baptist Church as most people in the community were religious and would come together for Sunday mass. A large part of these gatherings were the musical aspect which could last over an hour. In the audio, there is a faint piano behind the powerful voices and most churches had some sort of instrumental component. Within the church, members would help teach each other these instruments. By learning music they were not only able to have the church band play alongside the choir but were able to expand their education and cognitive abilities. This tie is why jazz musicians during the 1900s largely grew up learning their talents from the church or family members. Many also went into universities and formal education for classical instruments but the passion was most usually started at a young age in the church.

Seaview United Baptist Church Congregation and Choir

Nova Scotia Archives

21 May 1967

Nova Scotia Archives

Audio Reel