The Joy of ‘Watch Night’ in African American Churches

A New Year’s Eve tradition thrives — even if the pandemic requires livestreamed worship services

Janice Harayda

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Carte de Visite of the first ‘Watch Meeting’ in 1862 / Public Domain

“Watch Night” church services on New Year’s Eve are a vibrant part of African American worship in my swath of the Deep South — or were, until Covid-19 forced the cancellation or livestreaming of many of them.

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Janice Harayda

Critic, novelist, award-winning journalist. Former book editor of the Plain Dealer and book columnist for Glamour. Words in NYT, WSJ, and other major media.