Jamaican political activist Marcus Garvey once noted, “A people without the knowledge of their past history, origin, and culture is like a tree without roots.”
This sentiment echoed profoundly during a challenging period for the members of Evans Metropolitan A.M.E. Zion Church in Fayetteville, NC. In the aftermath of losing their cherished 130-year-old house of worship to flooding during Hurricane Florence in September 2018, the play “A Glimpse Into Evans” emerged as more than just a live stage production throughout 2023 – it became a testament to resilience and fortitude and the enduring spirit of hope.
Written, produced, and directed by Berthenia M. Lindo, the wife of Evans Metropolitan Church Pastor Selvyn A. Lindo, the play chronicles the efforts of Rev. Henry Evans, a shoemaker passing through Fayetteville in the late 1700s who saw the amount of crime in the area and decided to stay and share his Christian beliefs with hopes of making a spiritual difference in the lives of the people.
“What I hope audiences saw was that Rev. Henry Evans was such an anointed man to pull these different races of people [Black and White people] together to worship,” said Berthenia Lindo. “It was also extremely important for people to know some of the history of Evans [Church]. Many times that gets lost and forgotten.”
The Dream
Two months after witnessing the utter devastation caused by Hurricane Florence’s floodwaters at the church, Berthenia Lindo said she could not speak for two hours. But, the next night, she found herself inspired with a compelling idea for the play during a vivid dream.
“After I awoke, I Googled to find out what happened at Evans,” said Berthenia Lindo, whose husband, at the time, had been newly appointed to the church. “I was amazed at what I learned, and I felt like it was a story that needed to be told. God put it on my heart to do this.”
Drawing inspiration from the rich narrative captured in “The History of Evans Metropolitan A.M.E. Zion Church: A Chronicle of Events,” a poignant account penned by Dr. Annette Billie, a dedicated and long-time member of the church, Berthenia Lindo began writing and skillfully adapted the play to weave a compelling tapestry of Rev. Henry Evans’ efforts and the church’s story.
Its Reception
Finally, in January 2023, a dynamic cast of about 30 members of Evans Metropolitan's Voncyle R. Davis Drama Guild, Hood Memorial A.M.E. Zion Church, and a few community actors delivered a captivating performance to an audience of hundreds at the nearby recreation and athletic complex.
The play garnered enthusiastic reviews, prompting Rev. David Woodhouse, the pastor of Hay Street United Methodist Church, to express interest in Berthenia Lindo and Rev. Lindo in hosting the play at his church.
“I went to see the play and enjoyed it, and I thought this would be a creative and great re-telling of our shared history that goes back to Rev. Henry Evans and his ministry in Fayetteville,” said Rev. Woodhouse, whose congregants are predominantly White.
Almost three months later, the play “A Glimpse Into Evans” came to life on the auditorium stage at Rev. Woodhouse’s church, which is located in Downtown Fayetteville less than a mile from Evans Metropolitan Church.
“This is a part of our history, too, that constantly needs to be lifted up,” said Rev. Woodhouse. “Through this experience, not only did we [members from Hay Street United Methodist Church] get to examine our history, but the greatest joy was to unite as brothers and sisters in Christ so that we could ‘celebrate’ and be called to our higher purpose with the thought that how might God want to use us the way Rev. Henry Evans was used.”
Tracy Watts-Smith, an educator and parishioner at The First Baptist Church in downtown Fayetteville, also attended "A Glimpse Into Evans" and was deeply impressed by the remarkable endeavor to preserve the history of the church.
“Nowadays, many of our churches aren’t telling their history anymore. Our young people need to know where they came from and how we got here, as well as the sacrifices that were made to get us here. This will help inform the choices they make in the future.”
The Forerunner
After four long years and eight months, on May 28, 2023, the members of Evans Metropolitan Church joyously returned to their house of worship for Sunday Service with a firm grasp of their history and a stirred hope for the future.
“I think this play was important, and I feel that God is not done with this play,” said Berthenia Lindo. “I also think the play was a forerunner. I believe God has said to me the rebuilding of this church is done. Now, it’s time for spiritual growth and the teaching of God’s Word.”
Rev. Lindo agrees.
“This play was birthed out of a desire to honor God in all circumstances. Our playwright, Mrs. Berthenia Lindo, was inspired to write this play as a tribute to God’s faithfulness to Evans Metropolitan with victories still to be won and souls yet to be saved.”
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