Join us as we celebrate Black History Month with a service exploring the role of quilt codes. According to legend, a safe house along the Underground Railroad was often indicated by a quilt hanging from a clothesline or windowsill. These quilts were embedded with a kind of code, so that by reading the shapes and motifs sewn into the design, an enslaved person on the run could know the area’s immediate dangers or even where to head next.

Quilt Code (image): The monkey wrench is a symbol for a freed African American blacksmith who could travel between plantations, according to the book. When he gave word that the time was right for people to attempt escape, a quilt with the monkey wrench block would be hung outside.

Bring Quilts to Share: Zoomies & Roomies are invited to bring quilts to share and tell their stories.

Fellowship Quilt Square: You can see our web page describing the Fellowship’s Quilt Square on the Macon County Quilt Trail by clicking the link.

Negro Spiritual Donation: To honor the Negro Spirituals we use in service during the year, in recent years we have donated to a non-profit committed to young Black musicians. This year the worship bench has gone local and chosen the WCU Inspirational Gospel Choir.

Topics: Black History