The nation's clergy took to pulpits across the country Sunday, Nov. 9, 2008 and reflected on President-elect Barack Obama's historic victory. Obama's achievement held added significance for the congregation at the historic Ebenezer Baptist Church.

Reported By: Deidra Dukes
Edited By: Leigha Baugham

ATLANTA (MyFOX ATLANTA) – The nation’s clergy took to pulpits across the country Sunday morning and reflected on President-elect Barack Obama’s historic victory.  Obama’s achievement held added significance for the congregation at the historic Ebenezer Baptist Church.

Sunday was a day of celebration and joyous reflection at Ebenezer Baptist Church.

“You are in a historic church and this is a wonderful historic time,” said Rev. Raphael Warnock, Senior Pastor to the congregation.

Pastor Warnock stirred the congregation as he spoke of Obama’s historic win.

“Barack Obama stood this week against the fierce tide of history and achieved the unimaginable,” said Rev. Warnock.

Thousands gathered at the Atlanta church on election night, and the overflow crowd spilled out into nearby streets for the watch party.

“I’m just glad I’m old enough to realize the significance of this election,” said church member Regina Griffin.

Many of those in attendance Sunday were also on hand election night.

“We all worked the campaign for the past few months and it was just a great crescendo to all of our hard work and volunteering,” said Griffin.

For many as they reveled in Obama’s victory, thoughts turned to those who paved the way for the nation’s first African-American president.

Some of the foot soldiers in the civil rights movement, who worked and worshipped with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and his family, said they never imagined they would live to see the day an African-American reached the highest office in the land.

“It’s due and on time.  It’s a world celebration, it’s not just about the United States,” said Albert Paul.

Rev. Warnock told the congregation that there was still work to be done and urged them to vote in the upcoming Senate runoff election on Dec. 2.  In the runoff, Republican incumbent Saxby Chambliss will face off with Democratic challenger Jim Martin in one of three national senate races that still remain undecided.

This story content provided by FOX 5 Atlanta WAGA