A major item that kept the Black community together and hopeful was religion. Religion is the "sun around, which all things tend to revolve" (Chew & Cooper). Religion was and still is an integral part of the black experience and culture. African American religious leaders and their followers played important roles in the advancement of Blacks in this country, especially during challenging times. Hans A. Baer brilliantly states that "black religion provides us with significant insights into the social condition of black people in U.S. society." Its importance in the black community has stretched from before slavery all the way up until now. Religions importance in the Black community is quite similar to its significance in my own family. I come from a line of preachers/pastors. Among these pastors is my great grandfather, Rev. Dr. Frederick D. Haynes Sr. Frederick D. Haynes Sr. led the way so that his son and grandson would also take great leaps as ministers. My great grandfather set a strong religious foundation for future generations that has had long lasting impact on our family. Because of my great grandfather many of his family members including myself have continued to keep a strong and personal relationship with God.
Frederick D. Haynes Sr. was born in West Virginia in 1899. Unfortunately, he was orphaned at the age of 4 and lived with his grandfather, Albert Pack. After a few years of living with his grandfather he ran away and went to live with his older sister in Pennsylvania. Upon moving to Pennsylvania, FDH developed some respiratory issues and it was decided that he should board a train and head on to California where the weather was not so harsh on his condition.
After his move to California FDH started to begin his career as a preacher/pastor. At the age of 17 FDH was licensed to preach and worked his way through Biola Institute while also taking courses at the University of California. During his time in school he served as youth minister at a Baptist Church in Los Angeles, California. Years after his education and service as a youth minister he was called to pastor the Second Baptist Church in Fresno, CA. It was here that he established the first Junior Church in the state of California. FDH had an extensive career as a pastor and religious leader and it did not stop in Fresno. In the year of 1932 he was called to pastor the Third Baptist Church of San Francisco. Because of his leadership he grew the church from 50 to over 3000 members during his tenure as pastor. He was also able to increase the annual budget of the church from $1500 to $150,000, which was very remarkable for a Black church in such a setting and time.
The following link shows a clip of a sermon of the grandson of FDH Sr.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WDacTmH8PwU