The church is part of “The United House of Prayer for All People”. After I saw them the first time I looked up the church online. It’s got a colorful history, to say the least. It was founded by “Sweet Daddy” Grace, a charismatic man who (depending on who you believe) was either a saint or a total huckster. The IRS went after him hard in the ’70′s. Today they’re a little less cultish but still a rather extreme brand of Christianity.

When I first saw them about two months ago, filing past me as I came out of the New York Deli, I thought: these guys look like they’re visiting from Down South; when they started playing, I knew they were from New Orleans, and then I learned; nope, just up Broad Street.

The church helps them purchase their instruments, and they practice, practice, practice, most of them haven’t any musical training. They are following the Biblical injunction: make a joyful noise. And, it is, oh, yes such joy is expressed. I defy anybody just to stand there with your hands in your pockets while you listen; if you are move to sway a little, you need to check your pulse for life.

I’ve missed them the past few weeks — wish I’d seen them! They usually show up after dark on Friday evenings, or at least, that was their pattern.