Hip Hop Mass
Hip-hop Mass delivers an ancient message in a new vernacular
By JULIAN WALKER - Richmond Times-Dispatch
RICHMOND, Va. -- The solemnity of hymns played on an organ was replaced by thumping speakers that amplified a thick bass line.
Instead of a more traditional, staid sermon, listeners heard a hip-hop homily.
Mixing the motifs of hip-hop music and culture with Christian doctrine is all part of the HipHopEMass service.
The Rev. Timothy Holder, an Episcopal minister from New York City, created the HipHopEMass concept. He and his posse of musicians and religious rappers brought their in-your-face ministry to Richmond one recent night, holding a service at St. Peter's Episcopal Church.
Though the service has the look, feel and sound of a concert, its purpose is to be a vehicle to spread the gospel to a generation that has turned away from the church.