Enslaved African Americans gathered in churches and private homes, as the story goes, on Dec. 31, 1862, and stayed awake waiting for the news that President Abraham Lincoln had signed the Emancipation Proclamation.
Lincoln did sign the Emancipation Proclamation the next day, Jan. 1, declaring everyone held as slaves “are, and henceforth shall be free.”
The tradition continues to present day with many African American churches hosting a Watch Night service, sometimes called Freedom’s Eve, on New Year’s Eve. It’s a time to celebrate and remember the Emancipation Proclamation.
Some religious leaders also include readings from prominent civil rights leaders such as Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
It’s common for services to go until midnight, but some end earlier.
The tradition of a Watch Night service can be traced back to the early 18th century, when Moravian churchgoers held a vigil to reflect on the previous year and contemplate the new one. John Wesley later adopted it for his Methodist followers, who had similar vigils for each month with the full moon.
Churches throughout the city will hold a New Year’s Eve service so congregants can ring in the new year with a higher purpose.
Here are some churches in Indianapolis that have a Night Watch service.
Christ Missionary Baptist Church
• When: 7-9 p.m. Dec. 31
• Where: 1001 Eugene St.
Eastern Star Church, main campus
• When: noon Dec. 31
• Where: 5750 E. 30th St.
Eastern Star Church, Cooper Road Campus
• When: 7 p.m. Dec. 31
• Where: 5805 Cooper Road
Mt. Zion Apostolic Church
• When: 8 p.m. Dec. 31
• Where: 4900 E. 38th St.
Light of the World Christian Church
• When: 7 p.m. Dec. 31
• Where: 4646 N. Michigan Road
