Have a Seat and Grab a Fan

When I was growing up, we were in church for what seemed like all day. The ushers, dressed in their crisp white uniforms, white gloves, stockings, and shoes, were responsible for keeping order in the pews. They would hold a tissue under your chin if they suspected you were chewing gum and you had to spit it out. They placed a firm hand on your shoulder for talking and sleeping, and monitored bathroom breaks during offering time, tapping the door if you took too long. They were also the keepers of the church fans. When it was hot in church, and it usually was, the fans were handed to the adults first, and the kids had to share the few that were left.

The coveted church fans were a staple for worship services. There was the classic Martin Luther King, Jr., and Mahalia Jackson fans with advertisements on the back for either the local funeral home or beauty school. There was a young boy with closed eyes and small hands folded in prayer, and another with two girls dressed in matching pink pajamas kneeling for bedtime prayer. My favorite was the family of four; father and mother, with their son and daughter, sitting on mahogany pews, each wearing a humble smile while holding an open bible and listening to the sermon. This image is noteworthy because it’s one we don’t see as often as we used to. 

We see families seated together in restaurants, theaters, plays and various other gathering places. Of all the places we go, sometimes, it seems church is a place where some families arrive together, but separate once inside. Spiritual leaders; pastors, clergy, deacons and missionaries cluster together while their children and other family members scatter around the church like acquaintances rather than relatives.  

While on vacation, I visited a church where the pulpit was empty until the Pastor used it to deliver the sermon. The clergy members occupied the first few pews with their wives and young children. It was beautiful to see and the images reminded me of the church fans from my youth.

Where oh where is the beautiful family on the vintage church fan? Why doesn’t the family that prays together and stays together, sit together?

Grace & Peace,

Teretha