Pony-led procession marks Palm Sunday for Philadelphia’s oldest Black church community.

In West Philadelphia, the annual Palm Sunday procession at the African Episcopal Church of St. Thomas celebrated a notable twist this year, introducing a pony named Beezus to reenact the arrival of Jesus in Jerusalem. Traditionally, the church featured a donkey named Pedro for this event, but Pedro passed away since the last Palm Sunday, leading to Beezus, an 11-year-old chestnut-and-white pony from Quakertown, stepping into the role.

The procession began on the front lawn of St. Thomas, where congregants and church leaders gathered behind Beezus. The event serves as a reenactment of the biblical journey, as recounted in Matthew 21. In this passage, Jesus instructs his disciples to fetch a donkey and its young offspring to enter Jerusalem in a demonstration of humility as he fulfills his role as the Messiah.

On this particular Sunday, participants sang hymns and carried blessed palm fronds, mirroring the branches that the people of Jerusalem laid in Jesus’ path. This year marks the sixth occasion that the church, founded in 1792 as the first Black church in Philadelphia and the first Black Episcopal church in the nation, has incorporated a donkey or pony into its Palm Sunday celebration. This tradition aligns with other congregations that strive for realistic reenactments of this momentous event.

The Rev. Canon Martini Shaw, rector of St. Thomas, highlighted the significance of the occasion amidst global turmoil, stating the congregation would once again reflect on Christ’s triumphal entry into Jerusalem, which initiates the holiest week of the Christian calendar.

For the members of St. Thomas, the Palm Sunday procession represents not just a whimsical celebration, but a symbol of their faith and the importance of the Easter season. Greg Hayes, a long-time member of the church and one of the procession’s monarchs, emphasized the importance of this tradition, stating that it helps keep faith alive and allows experiences like these to be passed down through generations.

As Beezus led the procession, several children eagerly took turns riding the pony, each for a few minutes at a time. This unique experience created lasting memories, especially for first-time participants like six-year-old Sarah Jeffers from Elkins Park, who expressed a mix of nervousness and joy during her turn.

Overall, the Palm Sunday procession at the African Episcopal Church of St. Thomas reflects both a cherished local tradition and a powerful expression of faith, drawing the community together in celebration of a significant religious event.