THE CALENDAR

Abolitionist’s Church and Lincoln’s Friends Sunday, Feb 15th Westminster Presbyterian Church 533 S. Walnut 217-522-4415 4pm Free

CULTURE | Unexpected neighbors

Jamieson and Elizabeth Jenkins were two African- Americans who helped change history. The couple lived in Springfield and worked for the Underground Railroad organization assisting slaves on their way to freedom. This year their story is being told at a dramatization titled “The Abolitionist Church and Lincoln’s Friends.” Robert and Patricia Davis will read monologues that tell the story of the two free blacks who were neighbors and friends with Abraham Lincoln. Jamieson Jenkins drove the presidentelect to the Great Western Railway Depot for his departure to Washington, D.C. in 1861. The Jenkins were also members of Second Presbyterian Church, an abolitionist congregation in a time when church organizations were defined by their beliefs about slavery. The event includes the choir singing hymns used in 1850s Presbyterian services.