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Members of the New Greater Zion Wall House of Miracles congregation gather for Sunday Worship on August 25, 2013. The close-knit Baptist church was founded in this East Durham neighborhood almost 63 years ago.
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Evangelist Debbie Wilson, 59, finds a moment of peace before Sunday School at the New Greater Zion Wall House of Miracles in East Durham. Wilson, a member of the choir and the Praise Team, was raised in the church and has been attending for 55 of her 59 years.
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Sherell Vereen (top left) teaches the books of the bible during the children’s Sunday School class at New Greater Zion Wall House of Miracles. The children will present what they’ve learned before the congregation during the worship service.
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Serenity Teasley (center), 10, performs with the Praise Dancers during Sunday Worship at the New Greater Zion Wall House of Miracles while her mother, Robin Teasley (second from left), sings with the Praise Team. Serenity, like many of the youth active in the congregation, was born and raised in this tight-knit church community in East Durham.
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Worship services at New Greater Zion Wall House of Miracles are filled with expressions of praise, prayer, song, and music. According to church elders, the service lasts “as long as the spirit moves us.”
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In honor of the start of the school year, the church celebrated a Friday night Youth Revival on August 23, 2013. In addition to weekly worship services, Bible study and Sunday school, the church calendar often includes special celebrations, guest speakers, social gatherings, and other activities, making it the center of both faith and social life for many members.
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In honor of the start of the school year, the church celebrated a Friday night Youth Revival on August 23, 2013. In addition to weekly worship services, Bible study and Sunday school, the church calendar often includes special celebrations, guest speakers, social gatherings, and other activities, making it the center of both faith and social life for many members.
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Around 10 pm on Friday night, the congregation locks up the church and says their goodbyes following the Youth Revival; most will be back early Sunday to celebrate a full day of worship and prayer.
A photo essay by Kelly Creedon, UNC grad student.
Driving down North Alston Avenue in East Durham, there is a small sign posted on the corner of Hopkins Street that reads in bright red letters “New Greater Zion Wall House of Miracles.” About two blocks down on the right stands a simple white brick building, set back from the street, with a red wooden cross hung over the door. The New Greater Zion Wall House of Miracles Baptist Church was founded here 63 years ago to create a spiritual home for the neighborhood. Senior Pastor Apostle T.L. Peaks-Cash actually grew up in a small house across the street from the church, and is just one of a number of church leaders who have been part of the community for decades. Today, the church continues to house a small, tight-knit congregation of worshipers who come here to find and celebrate faith, family, and community. According to Apostle Peaks-Cash, the church puts a strong focus on shaping and lifting up the youth of the congregation to help them make good choices and be successful. In addition to weekly Sunday School and Bible Study, youth participate in the Praise Dance Team and learn to deliver the Word through the Youth Ministry program. While there are many negative influences that might tempt them away from their spiritual path, the commitment and dedication of these young leaders points to a bright future for the church.