 |
Music Ministry
Arlie P. Horton Lewis Gospel Choir
The Arlie P. Horton Lewis Gospel Choir was formulated in 1937 under the pastorate of Reverend J. Dewitt Wilson. The church was located at 5th and P Streets at the time and had but one choir -- The Senior Choir. It became evident that with the passage of time and more members joining the church, another musical organization was needed to assist with morning services and to be musical support for the minister as he made speaking engagements at other churches. The "Gospel Chorus" was organized by Mrs. Johanna Morris and Mrs. Arlie P. Horton Lewis. Mrs. Lewis was the one and only director of the chorus until her death in 1992. In 1996, the organization's name was changed to the Arlie P. Horton Lewis Gospel Choir in memory of Sister Lewis and her contribution to the music of Turner. Under the dynamic leadership the Choir is enjoying an explosion in membership. They are now a multi-generational group with members representing a range from teenagers through seniors. Their motto is to pursue even higher levels in their musical abilities and kingdom building and to continue to encourage the younger members of the group whom they see as their "future choir."
Celestial Chorale
The Celestial Chorale continues a forty-year tradition at Turner Memorial A. M. E. Church. Our church was originally located at 5th and P Streets, N. W. During those early days, Mrs. Mozella J. Preston was asked to train and direct the youth of the church. First, there was a feeder choir called "The Tiny Tunes." When they became not so tiny anymore, they became the "Treble Clef Choir." From the growth of those young people, both physically and musically, spawn "The Junior Choir", "The Young People's Choir," "The Young Adult Choir." As the days, months and years went by, gray hair among many of the members became evident.. So, Mrs. Preston wondered what name would appropriately fit the group? " MMMM CELESTIAL" that is, of heaven, high, perfect. CHORALE " a chorus of singers pure and uncomplicated." Hence, the Celestial Chorale. The Chorale continues to sing the praises of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ who has blessed them with their combined talents and commitment. It is the hope of the group that they remain committed to the Lord and to fellowship with the Christian family.
Men's Choir
The original group of men were organized in the early 1950s during the administration of Reverend I. A. Miller and actively promoted by the administration of Reverend S. Everett Guiles. Under the direction of Mrs. Mozella J. Preston, the numbers and popularity of the group as energetic, singing men grew. Later, Mr. Willie A. Jackson took the reins. The choir has traveled extensively to North Carolina, Missouri, South Carolina, New York, Georgia and Pennsylvania. The highlight of their travels was in the late 1980s, when they went with the then Pastor, Goodwin Douglas to his home in Somerset, Bermuda to perform several concerts. Today, the men of the Choir continue to enjoy worshipping God in spirit and in song. Their goal is to attract new members and strive in the service of the Lord.
Senior Choir
The Senior Choir is charged with rendering appropriate muic for worship service on designated Sundays, leading the congreation in the singing of hymns, and encouraging Christian fellowship among members.
Turner Voices of Praise
The Turner Voices of Praise is a young adult contemporary gospel choir. The idea stemmed from the request of the church's youth to encourage young people between the ages of 13-30 to sing as a group. With the encouragement and support of our Pastor, Darryl E. Walker, the group made its debut on Palm Sunday, March 24, 2002. The choir's goal is to outreach to youth, to recruit members and most of all, TO SING THE PRAISES OF THE LORD !!
|
