Watch Night Services December 31, 2025
Bless your transition into the new year.
Reflect on the past year—both its trials and triumphs—while anticipating what the new year will have in store.
The first Watch Night or “Freedom’s Eve,” took place on December 31, 1862. On that day, enslaved and free African Americans across the country watched and waited for news that the Emancipation Proclamation had taken effect.
Wednesday, December 31
Hill Street Baptist Church
135 Hill St., Asheville, NC 28801
Early Watch Night Services begin at 6 p.m. Rev. Scott, Pastor.
Rock Hill Missionary Baptist Church
486 Caribou Rd., Asheville, NC 28803
Watch Night Services begin at 10 p.m. Light Refreshments. Rev. Spencer Hardaway, Pastor.
Tried Stone Missionary Baptist Church
100 Carroll Ave., Asheville, NC 28801
Watch Night Services begin at 10:30 p.m. Rev. Alfred Blount, Pastor.
Worldwide Missionary Baptist Tabernacle
85 Chowtaw St., Asheville, NC 28801
Watch Night Services begin at 10:30 p.m. Light refreshments. Rev. Dr’s James and Louis Grant, Pastors.
Learn more about the historical legacy of Watch Night at nmaahc.si.edu/explore/stories/historical-legacy-watch-night.
