|
Most
of the arrivals from the Caribbean were devoutly religious. In Jamaica
alone, there are approximately 250 denominations and it has the
highest number of churches per capita in the world.
Black
churches in Gloucester
A number
of black churches have sprung up within the city over the years.
Their formation can be seen as a direct result of the experiences
of prejudice and discrimination within the British church community
on arrival.
A
number of black churches have sprung up within the city over
the years. Their formation can be seen as a direct result of
the experiences of prejudice and discrimination within the British
church community on arrival.
 |
| Our
Untold Stories |
Moreover,
with some denominations, the style of worship practised in British
churches may have been too inhibited. For many, respect for the
Sabbath, in terms of work and dress was too lenient.
Many
of these churches now have white members among their congregation,
just as many members of the black community belong to predominantly
white churches.
Many
of these churches now also provide a focus for community life. Relevant
authorities approach these, as much as the voluntary groups, when
they wish to consult with or involve the African-Caribbean community
in ventures. They initiate and are involved in community work, including
the setting up of luncheon clubs and appropriate housing for elders
in the community.
A large
proportion of the community belongs to one of these churches, many
of which are fundamentalist in their beliefs. They are very close-knit,
with members often referring to each other as brothers and sisters.
Ewart
and Birdie Walker
One
couple for whom the church is very much a part of their lives is
Ewart and Birdie Walker. Ewart was born in Union Pen, St Ann, Jamaica
and came to England in 1962. Birdie from Long Wood in St Elizabeth
followed a few weeks afterwards and they married in Gloucester just
over a year later.
When
I came I felt like going back to Jamaica. I could not believe
jobs paid only £3 and £5 a week I earned £14
a week in Jamaica and everywhere I went I had free transport
and meals.
|
| Ewart
Walker |
England
was not EwartÂ’s first choice of destination. "I thought
of going to Germany after German consulates came to Kingston talking
of building work. I had friends in Gloucester so I came here and
stayed."
He
shared a room for a few days in Ryecroft Street and went on to find
his own place with a rented room in Goodyere Street. He bought his
present home in the late 1960s.
He
was not too impressed with work opportunities when he first arrived
compared to what he had left behind. "When I came I felt like
going back to Jamaica. I could not believe jobs paid only £3
and £5 a week I earned £14 a week in Jamaica and everywhere
I went I had free transport and meals."
Making
the best of it
However
Ewart decided to make the best of it. "Sometimes youÂ’ve
got to be adventurous. If you stay at home you wonÂ’t learn
as much." He had no problems finding work as a porter with
British Rail with his experience in British Airways in Jamaica.
"There
I had to deal with people from all over the world, so coming here
I had a broad view – it wasn't so strange. If you travelled
on my train you travelled on a happy train. I got on all right.
If I had awkward people, I didnÂ’t go down to their level."
He
retired from British Rail in 1993. In contrast, Birdie had a number
of jobs, including working in the Air Force camp at Robinswood and
a number of years at Gloucestershire Royal Hospital. In the early
years Birdie and Ewart enjoyed going to pubs and dancing at clubs
all over the country. Nowadays the New Testament Church of God is
very much part of their lives.
"We
travel to Jamaica as often as possible but are not homesick,"
said Ewart. "I donÂ’t like living in two places at once
and enjoy being near to our children and grandchildren."
|
