Pastor Turner sung selections that didn’t allow you to go to sleep on the Lord. With the marvelous Marcella Caffie on the piano, his melodious voice rang through out the church.
By JAMES W. WADE III
Staff Reporter
The Tenth Annual “Pastor’s Singing God’s Praises” took place at a crowded Lee Memorial A.M.E. Church located at 861 East 105th Street.
Each year the church’s anniversary committee presents this service as a means of awareness to these preachers’ singing ability.
This year’s pastors included host Pastor Wesley Reid of Lee Memorial AME Church, Pastor Aurelius Sims of Transformation Temple of Praise Church, Pastor Lester Williams of Moses Free Spirit Baptist Church, Pastor Timothy Eppinger of God’s Tabernacle and Pastor Michael Turner of Original Harvest Baptist Church, who every year just seems to find a way to bring down the house.
Not saying that the other pastors sing like they are recording a CD but this year a new Pastor from Shaker Heights Community Church, a young man named Colin Jones, added some ole time religion to the service.
Pastor Jones wore the church out with “Amazing Grace” and shared how much he enjoyed being a part of this celebration. Jones and family transitioned to Cleveland from Columbus, Ohio.
You could feel the presence of God when each pastor got up to sing. Each pastor brought their own style and performed two praise and worship songs. Armetta Reaves served as the Mistress of Ceremonies and kept the service moving with uplifting praise.
Pastor Reid opened the service by singing with the one and only Earl McElrath on the piano. The Rev. Eppinger walked the aisles as he sung Douglas Miller’s “My Soul is Anchored.”
Pastor Williams moved the church singing all across the front and down the aisles, engaging the audience. Pastor Sims brought the church to its feet with on one of his selections and then walked away while everyone shouted and praised God.
Pastor Turner sung selections that didn’t allow you to go to sleep on the Lord. With the marvelous Marcella Caffie on the piano, his melodious voice rang through out the church.
The final selection was a joint effort of all the pastors.
Music was arranged by Sister Anne Ribbins Russ.
Over the past decade, these preachers have sung their hearts out and have soared to new heights. Each year they find a way to reach the masses through song.
