Historic Philadelphia church marks Palm Sunday with community procession

PHILADELPHIA – Members of the African Episcopal Church of St. Thomas took to the streets of Overbrook on Sunday morning, continuing a decades-old Palm Sunday tradition that marks the start of Holy Week.

Rain or shine, the annual procession brings congregants into the neighborhood with palms and song, sharing the significance of the Christian observance with the broader community.

“It really is an announcement to the entire community around us that this is the beginning of a very special week within our nation, within our country, within our world, actually, for Christians all around the world,” said the Rev. Fr. Martini Shaw, the church’s 17th rector.

For the last 20 years, the congregation has held this march on Palm Sunday. Shaw said it symbolizes Jesus’ march through Jerusalem on a donkey.

At St. Thomas, that tradition includes a pony, with children taking turns riding on it during the procession.

“We have a good mixture of children that come through, and it helps propel the church further and further,” said parishioner Greg Hayes.

The event is a family tradition for many, spanning generations.

“We’ve been members of the church, first my grandmother and my mom is a member as well, so coming and be able to express our faith in such an open way in the community is really meaningful. And it’s my son’s first time riding the pony!” said parishioner Mayla Jackson.

St. Thomas dates back 234 years and is recognized as the first Black Episcopal church in the United States.

“We have people here that travel from Delaware, Maryland, every week,” Hayes said. “This is the friendliest church in the nation.”

Church leaders say the annual procession is about more than tradition; it’s about connecting with the broader community.

“It’s not just a St. Thomas insular observance or celebration, it’s an opportunity to invite the entire community, certainly to invite the whole world into this special week called Holy Week,” Shaw said.

Holy Week events will continue throughout the week, including a gospel performance Sunday afternoon, a commemorative Last Supper dinner on Thursday, and services for Good Friday and Easter Sunday.