In the latest formal celebration of Black History Month, one of the most historic churches in Gloucester County, filled its sanctuary Saturday afternoon with a special service of music and history. The service took place at Zion Poplars Baptist Church, which houses the oldest independent African-American congregation in the county.

The program, which was sponsored by the Gloucester Museum of History, included a historical account of the church, the role of the Gloucester Union Relief, and concluded with a time of verse and song.

The Rev. Dr. Elton Pryor, pastor of the church, opened Saturday’s program talking about the importance of Zion Poplars, which he said has served many facets in the community since its founding members first met for worship in 1866.

“This place served as a place of refuge, a place of education, a place of healing and a place of spiritual growth,” he said. “When people come in this place, they feel a presence of love there.”

As p...