It is Christmas time and once again, since the 1970s, the congregation at the Maranatha Methodist Church at Blowing Point, Anguilla, and the other five congregations, have been coming together to present a Festival of Choirs.
The other congregations are from Ebenezer, The Valley; Zion, North Hill; Bethel, South Hill; Trinity, Sandy Ground; and Immanuel, West End. Attired in the seasonal colours of their choice, the singing groups – eight in all – presented a melodious mix of popular carols and hymns. The fervor and enjoyment of their presentations called to memory the days when the celebration of Christmas, without its current commercialization, filled the air not only in Anguilla, but around the Christian world.
The officiating Ministers were Superintendent of the Anguilla Methodist Circuit, Rev. Dr. Wycherley Gumbs, and Rev. Wilmoth Hodge. They both, especially Rev. Gumbs, had high praise for the musical and singing presentations organized mainly by well-known organist, Mr. Devaunie Richardson, with the involvement of the various choir directors and other leaders.
Rev. Dr. Gumbs commented that while the Methodist Church has its Festival of Choirs, the Anglican Church has its St. Augustine’s Chorale. He was pleased that both groups had shown an interest in working together as was witnessed by the presence and assistance of Mr. Lennox Vanterpool, Director of St. Augustine’s Chorale.
Rev. Dr. Wycherley Gumbs
The programme by the various groups and their presentations were as follows: Immanuel Senior Choir: Joy top the World and Glory to God in the Highest; Zion Senior Choir and Zion Men: All my heart this night Rejoices and Peace on Earth; Ebenezer Senior Choir and Ebenezer Men’s Fellowship: Ring on ye Bells, Go tell it on the Mountain and Awakening Chorus; Trinity Senior Choir: Behold, a Tiny Baby; Bethel Senior Choir: Glory in Excelsis and Christmas Lullaby; and Maranatha Combined Choir: O come and sing of Christmas.
