As part of its annual patronal observances, the St. Augustine’s Anglican Church in East End held a soul-stirring concert, dubbed “Echoes of the Soul” on the evening of Sunday, August 30th. The appealing renditions consisted of various genre of gospel music, and though the event was affected to some extent by threatening rain and the turnout was rather modest, the singing and music were of an exuberant, excellent caliber. Those who braved the inclement weather were blessed and inspired by encouraging messages in song.
Older meditative songs of the faith like “Just a Closer Walk With Thee” and “Take My Hand Precious Lord” were accented by songs of testimony like “He Never Failed Me Yet”, “Don’t Try to Tell Me”, “I Have Found a Friend in Jesus” and “Just Over in the Glory Land”. These were balanced by reflective songs like “Above All”, and “Mercy Tree”. Then there were the contemporary classics like “O Happy Day”, and “I Will Run to You”.
The St. Augustine’s Chorale was joined by members of the St. Mary’s Choir in the singing of a few joint-choir songs, but many of other songs were ministered by soloists, duets, trios, quartets and quintets. Altogether, it was an enriching ninety minutes of wonderful gospel hits.
Chorale Director and Music Maestro, Lennox Vanterpool, took on the admirable task of gracefully playing the piano. On the bass guitar was Tony Fleming, and Gordon Hazel along with Terrence Fleming on rhythm and lead/featuring guitars. The renditions were gloriously enriched by the beats of Ricky Richardson on drums, and the rising musical star Khorey Barrett cleverly accented the melodies with the playing of the saxophone.
According to the Director, Brother Lennox, Sunday night’s event featured, in many ways, sacrifices of praise to God for providing a means for human kind to enjoy the privilege of His redemption. It showed the permanence and significance of the gospel of Jesus Christ.
“The Scriptures declare that in the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God, and the Word was God,” he said. “Therefore, the songs we did represented the gracious act of God’s redemption all down through the ages from way back ‘in the day’ – from the spirituals right up through the contemporaries.”
“We were indeed happy to Minister,” he said. “Our ministry clearly demonstrated the depth of the Chorale, foregrounding many of the voices regularly heard in chorus, as well as the anointed ministry of solos, duets, etc. – the smaller groups.
“The musicians played a very proficient role too. In displaying their God-given talents, they demonstrated their sensitivity to each genre as they skillfully accompanied the singers. The dynamics that they offered through their music made for a lively, enjoyable environment. And I give much compliments to our saxophonist, Khorey Barrett. We singled him out as an emerging sax icon, still in training, but it is evident that he is heading for greatness in his gifting, and we give God the glory.”
Brother Lennox then spoke of the significance of St. Augustine to the Festival that is held each year. “We thank God that we could have come again and celebrate the patron saint, St. Augustine of Hippo, who was the church’s early Bishop in North Africa.
“As part of the church, our Chorale bears his name and we have learnt of his Christian journey. He was rebellious in his earlier years, but he became converted and later came into the ministry. He became a Bishop, then, he was later given the title of ‘Saint’.”
“Saint Augustine’s outstanding words,” Brother Lennox said, “were: ‘Our Hearts are Restless Until They Rest in You’. And these are the words that are embossed at the front of the St. Augustine’s Church building.”
On Sunday, September 13th there will be yet another gospel concert. This time, it will be in respect of the St. Mary’ Patronal Festival, which will be held at St. Mary’s Anglican Church in The Valley. This event entitled “Where the Spirit Meets the Rhythm” will take place at 6:00 p.m. The general public is invited to attend.
By: James R. Harrigan
