Church choirs raise the roof in worship

VOICES were raised at the Athlone Park Methodist Church on Sunday afternoon, 18 August, as the audience joined in with a combined mass choir comprised of individual Methodist Church choirs from Athlone Park, Amanzimtoti, Westville and Kloof, in praise and worship.

Among these gifted singers were those who are members of the Durban Symphonic Choir, Durban Men’s Choir and other renowned choirs.

Each choir presented individual pieces, led by highly talented conductors. Among them were Adrienne Richardson (Athlone Park) and Craig Girvan (Kloof). Local Athlone Park soloist, 75-year-old Joy Klopper, was most enthralling as she raised her voice with ease to the high notes of ‘Holy City,’ with the mass choir accompanying her.

This fun-filled inspirational afternoon concluded with the Cantata 'Adam–in–Eden' by Michael Hurd. The 47- member combined choir described in song the story of creation and how the world began. The hilarity of many conversations between God and Adam in this song, did not go unnoticed.

The idea for this choral event was borne when the recently appointed resident minister at Athlone Park, Rev Emmanuel Gabriel suggested there be a more intentional interface among English-speaking Methodist Churches in the Durban area. Over the years, the strong interconnectedness that existed has since waned, with individual congregations operating in isolation. Rev Gabriel mooted the idea of a choir get-together, a project which Adrienne Richardson headed, and successfully prepared and brought together the choirs that were present.

Next year, a bigger choral event is envisaged, to include many more choirs. Enquiries may be directed to the Athlone Park church office on 031-904-3344