Social and Civic Whirl: New Grafton Baptist Church Celebrated the Music Ministry’s 17th Anniversary

The Music Ministry, of New Grafton Baptist Church located at 4401 Chestnut Avenue in Newport News, celebrated 17 years of providing joyful sounds to the congregation. Many people came out, on a beautiful sunny Sunday afternoon, to enjoy the concert honoring the New Grafton Music Ministry.

Evangelist Clara Marshall was a very energetic and motivational Worship Leader who kept the audience engaged praising and giving thanks to the Lord. New Grafton’s combined choirs opened the concert with “Every Praise to My God” under the direction of Sister Deborah Hudson on the piano, Brother Howard Washington on the drums, and Rev. Dr. Micheal Siumler, Pastor of New Grafton on the organ. This was followed by Sister Sharon Lowther reading the Scripture. Deacon James Threat Prayed a very reverent prayer. As part of the program protocol, the Pastor of New Grafton and his wife, Rev. Dr. Michael Sumler and Mrs. Ann Walker Sumler were introduced to the audience. Guests were given a warm Welcome by Deaconess Bernice Jones.

Rev. Arthur Jefferson, Sr., Pastor of Bethel AME Church, began the musical tribute to the New Grafton Choir by playing two solos on his saxophone. He made that saxophone sing as he played “Total Praise,” and “How Great Is Thy Faithfulness.” It was a beautiful sound. The Men of Distinction, under the direction of Rev. Sumler, provided the audience with beautiful harmony. They sang “I Truly Love the Lord; and had solos by Charles Davidson/tenor and Harold Williams/bass, with the Men of Distinction backing them, singing “Do Me Lord,” and “Sign Me Up for the Christian Jubilee” respectively.

During the Offertory, “How Great Is Our God” was played and the Offertory Prayer was rendered by Trustee Lillie Walker. Part II of the concert featured a young group from Igleshia Christina Oasis De Vida and Rev. Joyce Hawkins accompanied by her husband Brother Hawkins. Under the direction of Minister Torres, the young people sang in English and Spanish and got audience participation. Rev. Hawkins sang “Come to Jesus,” “Jesus, How I Love Calling Your Name,” and “Since I met Jesus.”

Deacon Carlton Griffin made Special Presentations. Tokens were given to Evangelist Clara Marshall, Sister Deborah Hudson/Minister of Music; to the drummer/Brother Howard Washington; and to Pastor Sumler. Following Remarks, the Benediction and the Blessing by Rev. Sumler, a delicious Repast was served in the Fellowship Hall.

Everyone enjoyed a pleasant afternoon helping to celebrate the 17th ANNIVERSARY of NEW GRAFTON’S MUSIC MINISTRY.