At The Greater First Baptist Church in Washington, members were looking forward to seeing “Lee Daniels’ The Butler,” the movie inspired by Eugene Allen, a member of their church who died in 2010. Allen served as a butler at the White House for more than half a dozen administrations. He served as an usher and trustee at the church where he was a member for six decades. These photos give glimpses of one Sunday (Aug. 4, 2013) at the church.
Religion News Service photos by Adelle M. Banks
Click any photo below to view slideshow.
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The Greater First Baptist Church in Washington was attended by the late Eugene Allen, the inspiration for the movie, “Lee Daniels’ The Butler.” RNS photo by Adelle M. Banks
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Ushers at The Greater First Baptist Church in Washington pray before the worship service begins on Aug. 4, 2013. RNS photo by Adelle M. Banks
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Usher pin and medallion worn by usher Gary Spencer Jones at The Greater First Baptist Church in Washington on Aug. 4, 2013. RNS photo by Adelle M. Banks
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Deacon and deaconess ministries lead praise and worship at The Greater First Baptist Church in Washington on Aug. 4, 2013. RNS photo by Adelle M. Banks
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Left to right, usher and Deacon Edward Banks, usher Robin Kelly and usher board president Carolyn Hereford stand at the back of The Greater First Baptist Church in Washington on Aug. 4, 2013. RNS photo by Adelle M. Banks
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The Rev. Robert Hood, associate minister, preaches at The Greater First Baptist Church in Washington on Aug. 4, 2013. RNS photo by Adelle M. Banks
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Lena Humphrey worships at The Greater First Baptist Church in Washington on Aug. 4, 2013. RNS photo by Adelle M. Banks
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Communion trays are prepared for service at The Greater First Baptist Church in Washington on Aug. 4, 2013. RNS photo by Adelle M. Banks
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Deacon Williams Daniels, left, and Deacon Edward Banks, right, carry Communion trays down the aisle at The Greater First Baptist Church in Washington on Aug. 4, 2013. RNS photo by Adelle M. Banks
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Beverly Holland-McNeil sings from a hymnal at The Greater First Baptist Church in Washington on Aug. 4, 2013. RNS photo by Adelle M. Banks
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Linda Watkins, church clerk, reads the announcements during the church service at The Greater First Baptist Church in Washington, D.C., on Aug. 4, 2013. RNS photo by Adelle M. Banks
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Worship at The Greater First Baptist Church in Washington on Aug. 4, 2013. RNS photo by Adelle M. Banks
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Robin Yeldell worships at The Greater First Baptist Church in Washington on Aug. 4, 2013. RNS photo by Adelle M. Banks
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Usher James Beatty Jr. prays during the worship service at The Greater First Baptist Church in Washington on Aug. 4, 2013. RNS photo by Adelle M. Banks