Students Uncover the Past at Oldest Black Church in North Carolina

A group of students are digging up the past at the oldest black church in the state of North Carolina.

The historic St. Philips church still has an active congregation. 131 persons were buried there in unmarked graves. So far, archeologists have found 90 bodies and the students have found the remains of another 12.

They have also found marbles, a miniature harmonica, an 1895 penny, and a watch chain.

Those buried at the site were born in Africa. The church is having a celebration this month to honor emancipation.

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D. Beeksma

One of the growing crowd of American "nones" herself, Deborah is a prolific writer who finds religion, spirituality and the impact of belief (and non-belief) on culture inspiring, fascinating and at times, disturbing. She hosts the God Discussion show and handles the site's technical work. Her education and background is in business, ecommerce and law.

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