By Rev. Lernette Patterson, Pastor, Reedy Chapel AME
In a moment steeped in sacred memory and national significance, Reedy Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church—the spiritual birthplace of Juneteenth—welcomed President Joe Biden and the esteemed Rev. Dr. Michael Waters, pastor of Abundant Life AME Church in Dallas, Texas, as honored guests for its 2025 Juneteenth Celebration. This historic gathering brought together thousands on Galveston Island to commemorate freedom, uplift faith, and reflect on the enduring strength of the African American spirit.
Juneteenth, observed annually on June 19, commemorates the day in 1865 when Union Major General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas, and issued General Order No. 3, proclaiming freedom for enslaved people in Texas. This announcement came more than two years after President Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation. Juneteenth—short for “June Nineteenth”—has since become a symbol of African American freedom and resilience. In 2021, it was officially recognized as a federal holiday in the United States, signed by former President Joe Biden and witnessed by Deaconess Opal Lee, a member of Baker Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Fort Worth, Texas.
Reedy Chapel, one of the original locations where the emancipation order was posted, served as a fitting venue for this milestone event. Under the leadership of the Rev. Lernette Patterson, the church welcomed dignitaries, clergy, and community members for an evening of remembrance and renewal. Founded in 1848 by formerly enslaved people, Reedy Chapel stands as a living monument to liberation. This year’s celebration marked the 160th anniversary of that transformative day—a day that continues to echo through generations.
President Biden, who signed Juneteenth into law as a federal holiday in 2021, addressed the congregation with deep reverence and resolve.
“This sacred ground reminds us that freedom is not just a moment in history—it is a promise we must keep alive,” he said. “Reedy Chapel is not just a church—it is a monument to faith, to freedom, and to the fight for dignity.”
The celebration was a vibrant expression of worship and remembrance. The Galveston Heritage Chorale filled the sanctuary with soul-stirring music, while dancers offered spirit-led praise. Dramatic readings of historical proclamations brought the past to life, and prayers for healing and justice reaffirmed the AME Church’s prophetic witness and commitment to liberation theology.
Rev. Dr. Waters delivered a powerful keynote that echoed through the sanctuary and into the hearts of attendees. With eloquence and urgency, he called on the nation to not only remember the past but to act boldly in the present. “We honor our ancestors not just with words, but with the work of justice,” he declared.
“Juneteenth is not just a date—it is a divine demand,” he proclaimed. “We are called to be the conscience of this nation, to speak truth to power, and to walk in the freedom Christ has already secured.”
Bishop Ronnie E. Brailsford, Sr., presiding prelate of the 10th Episcopal District, reflected on the spiritual and historical weight of the occasion:
“This is more than a celebration—it is a recommitment to the work of justice, equity, and spiritual renewal. Today, faith and freedom met in divine harmony.”
The celebration was not only a tribute to the past but a vibrant expression of culture and community. Rev. Lernette Patterson described the event as “a sacred homecoming.” She added, “To have President Biden here, to hear Dr. Waters speak truth to power, and to gather in this place of freedom—it means everything.”
As the sun set over Galveston, the message was clear: Juneteenth is not just a date on the calendar—it is a living legacy. And at Reedy Chapel, that legacy continues to inspire the world. The spirit of Reedy Chapel rang out once more—echoing the sound of freedom first heard 160 years ago. In that sacred moment, past and present converged – freedom delayed is not freedom denied, and faith still has the power to shift the atmosphere.
