St. Paul Church a Pioneer Experience
Report by: Kate Tsubata

The WAIT team arrived at St. Paul Baptist Church in Capital Heights , MD ready to do our normal presentation.  However, a chance conversation beforehand with Rev. Jerome Fowler revealed that St. Paul had a history of being more than simply an exemplary faith community that has been active in AIDS ministry for some time.

We learned that St. Paul is, in fact, the first African American church in Prince George ’s County, which we had previously heard described for its dramatic and triumphant history.  The “founding family” of St. Paul were the Plummers, who transcended slavery and multiple injustices using the twin tools of religious faith and a love of education.

Small wonder that this church is now a leader in the fight for HIV prevention and for care and service to those infected.  For many years, we have been participating in the health fairs, inspirational and educational events they have hosted around the AIDS issue.  Yet, we never put together the whole story until Sunday!

The entire congregation really responded to the 35 minute program we performed, including the breakdance, skit, game show questions, songs and dance.  After, the church members took up a collection for us, and the pastor presented us with a generous donation for our work.  We felt honored to be in the presence of those who have held high the torch of truth through other eras of great destruction.  We hope that we can add our small abilities to the great work they are doing.  Thank you, St. Paul brothers and sisters