Visiting from New York, USA, the members of Bronx Bethany Chapel Choir delivered soul-stirring performances at a packed sanctuary.

Hosted by Hope Fellowship Church on Molynes Road near Half-Way-Tree, St Andrew, the evening was dubbed “a celebration of God’s grace”.

Taking on master of ceremonies duties was Markland “Action” Edwards, who was masterful in his execution.

Pastor of Hope Fellowship Rev Christopher Brodber signposted that his church’s choir and the choristers from Bronx Bethany Chapel were prepared to pour “out from their hearts, blessing us with the truth of God’s unending love”.

His counterpart at Bronx Bethany Church of the Nazarene Rev Dr Richard Griffiths was grateful to minister in this space. In his words, “to glorify God together through the power of music”.

The choir was formed in 2017 through the vision of former pastor Rev Samuel Vassell.

Present Choir Director Devon Bennett, too, was excited by the opportunity to minister in Jamaica.

Host Choir Director Dianne Ashton Smith, for her part, drew on Romans 8: 38-39 as she emphasised the message of the concert and the joining of efforts in the mission. She was effusive in giving thanks to all who contributed to making the event come together successfully.

The music of the concert opened with Richard Smallwood’s arrangement of Total Praise. In the same vein, another praise number was God arranged by Cliff Duren and Carol Cymbala’s Psalm 34.

The attendees would get a taste of the classics with the powerful duet and chorus scored by Felix Mendelssohn I Waited For The Lord.

The other items of the first half were well-received with Kevin Bond’s God Be Praised listed on the programme to usher in the intermission, with Rose Town Holiness Christian Church Worship Band and Praise Team standing in the gap.

James Varrick’s Oye (He’s good) opened the second set. This half featured among its items the popular All For Jesus by Ernie Smith as well as I Will Give Thanks and Marvelous arranged by Landy and Joy Gardner.

The show climaxed with the choirs of Hope Fellowship and Bronx Bethany combining for the delivery of
Revelation 19:1 arranged by Phil Nitz and Christopher Phil.

Curtains came down on the concert ministry on Saturday, February 15, but the love shared through music and worship was truly unending.

Jodian Myrie and her daughter Zaniyah Campbell show pleasure on experiencing ‘Love Unending’. (Joseph Wellington)

Emcee Markland “Action” Edwards and his two-year-old daughter Esia-Naime Edwards enjoy the intermission. (Joseph Wellington)

Bronx Bethany Chapel Choir Director Devon Bennett leads the 34-voice group. (Joseph Wellington)

The attendees give rapt attendance to the music ministers. (Joseph Wellington)