At a crowded Ebenezer Methodist Chapel on Sunday 21 June, an excited audience was treated to an impressive Fathers’ Day programme presented by the Ebenezer Men’s Fellowship. This was their fourth annual programme which, this year, was under the theme ‘A Father’s Love’.
The main focus of the programme was the Ebenezer Men’s Fellowship Choir whose performances included hymns, negro spirituals and folk songs. Other musical items included solos, duets, quartets and instrumental selections. There were also readings and poems recited by some of the children of the congregation. In the skit that reflected the theme, ‘A Father’s Love’, Rayana Webster made a moving performance as an inquisitive little girl.
Guest artiste Mr Alexis Ryan, a talented local poet, performed two of his own poems: ‘Our Fathers Never Took Selfies’ and ‘Example’. These were well received by the large and appreciative audience drawn from all the six congregations of the Circuit, as well as persons from other denominations.
The highlight of the evening was undoubtedly a Gospel Calypso – composed and performed by Dr Lindel Brookes, a former calypsonian – ‘Jesus, The one Good Shepherd’. His backup singers were Victor Banks, Elkin Lloyd, Wycliffe Richardson Gary Carty and Val Banks.
Mr Lennox Vanterpool, of Morlens Music Studio, was the musical director for the programme. He also played the organ. Other musicians included: Casey Richardson, saxophone; David Christie, bass guitar; and Ev Brooks, drums. Dumpa Martin also joined them on the steel-pan for a special item.
Brother Sanford Richardson, the producer of the event and choir director, said that the programme, and its reception by the appreciative audience, exceeded his expectations.
In closing, the Chairman for the evening, the Rev Joseph R Lloyd, congratulated the men for their performance and encouraged them to continue to excel. He also challenged other men of the congregation to join the Men’s Fellowship in their work.
