Nearly 270 people attended the premiere of Help Us to Help Each Other, Lord: The Story of Morningstar Tabernacle No. 88 of Cabin John, Maryland, a new documentary short film written and directed by L. Paige Whitley and produced by Friends of Moses Hall, Inc.
The film uncovers the powerful, untold history of Morningstar Tabernacle No. 88—a historic African American benevolent society—and its enduring legacy of dignity, mutual aid, and community resilience during the era of segregation in Maryland.
Held on June 3, 2025, at Round House Theatre, the premiere marked more than just a film debut. It launched a broader educational initiative, with plans for local school distribution and public television screenings to bring this vital story to wider audiences.
An engaging post-screening panel discussion closed the evening, offering powerful reflections on the challenges—and importance—of preserving African American history, heritage, and sacred burial grounds.
Over the past two years, Whitley has conducted extensive research, gathering rare photographs, historical documents, and descendant interviews. These efforts brought new life to the Morningstar Minutes Book (1904–1914), transforming archival records into a vivid story of perseverance, family, and legacy.
Public education and community storytelling lie at the heart of our mission to preserve the Morningstar Tabernacle No. 88 Moses Cemetery and Hall. We are deeply honored to share this important film with our community and extend heartfelt thanks to everyone who joined us in celebration.
The next opportunity to view the film will be at the Scotland Juneteenth Heritage Festival on June 19, 2025. Learn more at: https://www.juneteenthscotland.org/history-lectures
What a Night!
Thank You to Our Generous Event Sponsors!
Legacy Guardian
Russell Leighton & Charlotte Troup Leighton
Philip Cantelon & Eileen McGuckian
Sierra Club Maryland Chapter
Heritage Champion
Vanasse Hangen Brustlin, Inc. (VHB)
Storyteller Circle
Jocelyn Albert
Scott & Heidi Lewis
Ken & Jane Lieberthal
Susan Mulroney & Adam Myers
Kenneth Nelson
Carol S. Rubin
Mayor Jeffrey Slavin, Town of Somerset
Thank You to Our Distinguished Panelists!
-
Lisa M. Fager
Executive Director, Black Georgetown Foundation
-
Kami Fletcher, PhD
Associate Professor, African Diasporic Histories, Goucher College
-
Chris Haley
Director, Study of the Legacy of Slavery in Maryland, Maryland State Archives
-
Elgin L. Klugh, PhD
Professor and Chairperson, Department of Applied Social and Political Sciences, Coppin State University
-
L. Paige Whitley
PANEL MODERATOR
Local Historian
Screenwriter and Director, Help Us to Help Each Other, Lord: The Story of Morningstar Tabernacle No. 88 of Cabin John, Maryland
Help Us to Help Each Other, Lord: The Story of Morningstar Tabernacle No. 88 of Cabin John, Maryland
A documentary short film exploring the history of Morningstar Tabernacle No. 88 and the vital role African American benevolent societies played during the era of racial segregation in Maryland.
Film Project Credits:
Written and Directed by: L. Paige Whitley
Produced by: Friends of Moses Hall, Inc.
Narrated by: Lamont Baxter
Edited by: Jay Mallin and M. Morgan Filyaw
Directors of Photography: Jay Mallin and Taylor Brown
Singers: The Washington Revels Jubilee Voices
Hymn: “Try Us, O God” by Charles Wesley (1707-1788)
Piano Music: M. Morgan Filyaw
Interviews and Voiceover Contributions by: Diane Baxter, Marian Mills Voice Artistry, KenYatta Rogers, Christopher Waynes, Tonya Coleman Waynes, Linda R. Lee, Dr. Charles Harris, Pandora White, Beulah Marie Gasaway Green, Nathaniel “Pete” White, Peter Noursi, Bob Levey, and Fred Bowen
Special Thanks to:
Ralph Buglass
Cabin John Citizens Association
Bonnie and John S. Collier
Montgomery Crawford, Descendant
Sarah Hedlund
Robb Hill
John Kelly
Stephen Lane
Bob Levey
Jane Levey
Philip J. Merrill, Nanny Jack & Co. Archives
Paul Morigi
KenYatta Rogers
Round House Theatre
The Scott Family Collection
Supporters, Volunteers, and Partners of Friends of Moses Hall
Acknowledgements
Baltimore History Channel
District Department of Transportation Historic Collections
AFRO American Newspapers Archives
The Evening Star
Freesound
Gfx Sounds
Booth Family Center for Special Collections, Georgetown University Library
Grand United Order of Odd Fellows of the World
Lewis Reed Photograph Collection Courtesy Jeanne Gartner
Historic Aerials
Library of Congress
Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission Archives
Maryland State Archives
Maryland State Highways Administration, Office of Real Estate
Montgomery History
The Montgomery County Sentinel
Peerless Rockville
The National Archives and Records Administration
The New York Times
Sandy Spring Museum
P2HD and Azulfilm of Pond5
Prince Hall Masons
Improved Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks of the World
Public Domain Pictures
Sugarland Ethno-History Project
Sugarloaf Regional Trails
L. Paige Whitley is supported in part by the Montgomery County Government and the Arts & Humanities Council of Montgomery County