News
A New Day Begun Church, community, mark inauguration of Barack Obama
By John Burton
RED BANK - Their excitement could not be contained.
As Barack Obama took the oath for the highest office in the land at noon on Tuesday, a group of about 85 people attended a viewing party and luncheon at Pilgrim Baptist Church, 172 Shrewsbury Avenue, where they cheered, sang, danced and even cried - sharing their joy and excitement about the inauguration of the nation's first African- American president.
"What it means," reflected the Rev. Terrence K. Porter, the pastor who serves the church's largely African-American congregation, "is we have an iconic leader who gives hope to not only our country, but the world."
Porter and his wife had the opportunity to get two tickets to attend the festivities in Washington, D.C. The offices of U.S. Senators Robert Menendez (D-NJ) and Wisconsin Democrat Herb Kohl offered Porter and his wife the chance to go, according to the reverend.
The church had sponsored a trip where two busloads of members were able to make the trip to the capital to experience firsthand what many in the congregation viewed as a monumental event. Porter said he and his wife decided to stay here and coordinate the viewing party for those who couldn't go to Washington.
Porter said volunteers made sure that all of the church's older members who wished to attend the party had a ride to the Shrewsbury Avenue church.
Along with senior citizens, there were those who brought their young children, some school-age kids who were there with their parents, as well as adults of all ages. Celebrating along with the mostly African-American church were a number of white members of the Red Bank community who sought out company to watch the inauguration on the two large- screen televisions in the church's community room and to share a lunch.
David Prown, a community activist and local business owner, said he took the day off and specifically wanted to be at the church. "It is a very special day," Prown said. "As a person of community," he explained, "I had to watch it with my community."
George and Gladys Bowden, who live on Hubbard Park, off River Road, decided it would be more fun joining the party at Pilgrim Baptist than watching the inauguration at home. "We thought it was the place to be," George said, "to be part of the fellowship and be part of the historic moment."
Gladys Hilliard, Tinton Falls, said she has been a church member since 1952 and said, "This is my church, my home, and I felt I should come."
Earl and Yvonne Baisdell, Eatontown residents who are members of Cavalry Baptist Church, 23 River Street, decided to come to Pilgrim Baptist so they could enjoy, "just being together with good people," Earl said.
Yvonne said that while she was happy about Obama's inauguration, she was a little worried for the new President. "He's got the whole United States in his hands," she said. "He must be nervous."
"He's got a lot on his plate," Hilliard observed as she sat before her lunch plate of chicken, macaroni and cheese and cornbread.
But for Earl Baisdell, "no other President could bring this many people together."
"We prayed for this to come," added Jeanette O'Bryant, Tinton Falls.
"I just hope he has the strength to go on, that's all I can tell you," Hilliard wished. Then Hilliard thought about it for a second and continued, "in due time everything works out for the good of God."
