Adult Forum Special Presentation

Remembering Miss Julia

Sunday, February 3
9:55 am
Sydnor Hall

“Remembering Miss Julia” is the joyful, poignant and personal story of the life and Christian dedication of Julia Sprow Ross Frazier, born in slavery on a Spotsylvania plantation in 1854. Members of Shiloh (Old Site) Baptist Church present a spirited remembrance of her life as it intertwines with the life of the church, the city and the sweep of history, complete with gospel singing by members of Shiloh’s superb choir.

In preparation for reflections on the Emancipation Proclamation and the visit of the Most Reverend Katharine Jefferts Schori, St. George’s and Shiloh Old Site are bringing the production to the congregation of St. George’s. The retelling of Miss Julia’s story, written largely in the sweep of her contemporary times, captures the sense of place and experience of those decades that continues to shape our town.

The play, first performed in March 2012 as a part of the National Park Service’s weekend focusing on the role of Fredericksburg’s churches during the Civil War, was widely praised. The performance is yet another occasion that brings our two downtown anchor congregations in closer contact as we strive toward a more perfect union.

About the Play*

Sources:  Julia Frazier was interviewed before her death about her memories and early experiences; much of that oral history appears in Weevils in the Wheat: Interviews with Virginia Ex-Slaves (University of Virginia Press).  [Shiloh] also drew on information in public documents; church records; the story told by John Washington in A Slave No More; Ruth Fitzgerald’s book, A Different Story; local newspaper articles; John Hennessy of the National Park Service; and Rev. B.H. Heser’s book, The History of Shiloh Baptist Church (Old Site).

Program Development:  Janice Davies, Bernice Easley, Faye Jones, Mark Olson

 

Shiloh History Overview*

Prior to 1854:  Although Shiloh is an ethnically mixed congregation, it is run and controlled by whites; at times, African Americans are 75 percent of the membership.

1854-1862: Whites leave to build their own church; the “colored” membership becomes an independent congregation, temporarily known as the “African Baptist church;” a slave-owning white overseer keeps a close eye on all services.

1862-1864: During the Civil War, at least half of the congregation flees north to escape slavery, starting two daughter churches in D.C.; those remaining in Fredericksburg meet informally for worship and support whenever and wherever they can.

1864-1920: Many (but not all) who fled north during the War return; under a variety of pastors, Shiloh provides critical support for the City’s African American population.

1886: The back wall of the pre-Civil War building collapses; some members leave to start over at a “new site,” while others decide to rebuild at the “old site.”

1920-2012: Shiloh Old Site stands tall under the long-term leadership of two energetic, visionary pastors: Rev. B.H. Hester (1921-1961) and Rev. L.A. Davies (1962-2012).

*Notes from "Remembering Miss Julia" program, March 2012.

 

View the entire presentation here!