Samuel Harrison Society Celebrates Rev. Harrison’s Birthday
PITTSFIELD, Mass. - On Saturday, April 11, 2009, the Samuel Harrison Society will host a Birthday Party to celebrate the 191st birthday of the Rev. Samuel Harrison. Samuel Harrison (1818-1900), an African-American clergyman, contributed an important voice to the philosophical and political debate over race relations during the last half of the 19th century. Rev. Harrison was an eloquent preacher of independence and self-worth and was a role model for the dignity of African-Americans.As an ardent and outspoken abolitionist, he became a well-respected advocate for his community. Rev. Harrison served his country during the Civil War after being commissioned Chaplain of the Massachusetts 54th. His home, located on Third Street in Pittsfield, is a landmark representing his place in history and physically represents his lifestyle and position in his community. Restoring and preserving Rev. Harrison’s homestead is imperative because of its associations to Rev. Harrison and the American Abolitionist Movement.
The Birthday Party will be held from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Second Congregational Church, 50 Onota Street, Pittsfield. The celebration will feature special guest speaker Byron Rushing from the Massachusetts House of Representatives. Rev. Dr. James Lumsden and his band from First Church of Christ Congregational in Pittsfield, Between the Banks will provide a musical selection. The event will include performances by the Gospel Choir of Second Congregational Church. Immediately following the service, there will be a performance by the Youth Alive Inc. Step-Dance Team in the Church Fellowship Hall. Birthday cake and beverages will follow the celebration. The event is free and open to the public.
The Birthday Party is sponsored by The Samuel Harrison Society, a non-profit organization, whose mission is to restore and preserve Rev. Harrison’s homestead; and use it as a place to teach the values embodied by his noble life, his enduring beliefs, his extraordinary writings; and to define a chapter in the story of us as a people by providing greater insight into African-American history.
