Urban Holiness Service

“No use letting the Devil have all the good tunes” proclaims Elder Charles Beck, pastor of the Way of the Cross Church of God in Christ, in Buffalo, NY. Playing trumpet, vibes, and drums, Elder Beck presides over a lively service filled with hymns, gospel songs, shouts, sermonizing, and prayer. Organ, piano, and tambourines, along with guest performers, also enliven the proceedings.

William H. Tallmadge, professor at the State University of New York in Buffalo, recorded the service on December 30–31, 1956, and wrote the liner notes, emphasizing the links of Holiness services to African religious practice.