Freedom's Eve--Watch Night Service

Freedom’s Eve—Watch Night Service

Many of us, regardless of race, are familiar with the tradition of a New Year’s Eve Watch Night Service. However, few of us know the true history behind it.

We can trace the history of the Watch Night Service all the way back to 1862. December 31, 1862, was a very special evening for the African American community. It was the night before the Emancipation Proclamation took effect, freeing all the slaves in the Confederate states.

Thus, on New Year’s Eve 1862, many African American churches held prayer and worship services from the late evening until midnight when they welcomed the new year with praise, thanksgiving, prayer, and confession. They called these services Watch Night Meetings. And now you know the rest of the story.

Heard and Moseley.
Waiting for the Hour [Emancipation], December 31, 1862.
Carte de visite.
Washington, 1863.
Prints and Photographs Division.
Reproduction Number: LC-USZC4-6160 (4-21a)