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Monday, November 11, 2024
 
 
River Baptism, photo courtesy of City of Windsor, Dept. of Heritage Planning
  Clarence Leslie Morton Senior founded the Canadian and International Churches of God in Christ in the Windsor and Detroit regions. Bishop Morton broadcast his live radio ministry on CKLW. His radio ministry and skill as a preacher were internationally renowned. On the Canadian side of the border Morton established churches in
River Baptism, photo courtesy of City of Windsor, Dept. of Heritage Planning   Amherstburg, Buxton, Chatham, Harrow, and Windsor. The Mount Zion Church of God in Christ in Windsor was
constructed in 1939. It is located at 795 McDougall Ave. and is still an active church.
 
Mt. Zion Church hosted an annual River Baptismal Service during the 1940’s and 1950’s. Thousands of people would witness the service on the Windsor riverfront. In early times baptisms were conducted in public places where family and friends could observe. The Bible word for "baptize" means "immerse, douse, or saturate. Because of the meaning of the word baptize and the mode of the first baptisms, the annual River Baptism service involved the individual being fully immersed in the waters of the Detroit River.
 
Crowds flock to river to view baptism ceremonies – photo courtesy of The North American Black Historical Museum
 
Crowds flock to river to view baptism ceremonies
photo courtesy of The North American Black Historical Museum
 
   
 

The opinions and interpretations in this publication are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of the Government of Canada.

 

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