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.
By JAMES W. WADE III
Staff Reporter
The Eleventh Annual “Pastor’s Singing God’s Praises” took place Sunday, January 13, 2013, 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 Colin Jones of Shaker Heights Community Church, Pastor Charles Cotton of Faith Walk Fellowship Church, and Pastor Michael Turner of Original Harvest Baptist Church – who every year just seems to find a way to bring that Pentecostal spirit in the building.
This year Rev. Turner sung and gave everyone a short sermonette on how they should be happy they are here in 2013. Not only did he lift his voice in song, he stood up on the pews and wrecked the church.
Pastor Jones from Shaker Heights Community Church, the youngest, joined this group for the second straight year and ushered a great song of praise. Pastor Jones’ wife Rev. Imani Jones had a different spin this year by doing a praise dance that the devil tried to kill, but thanks to Chazz Cotton who got on the piano and played the song she was able to lift his name higher and finish to a standing ovation for her dance.
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 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.
Co-pastor Rev. Tameka Reid help with the service and gave the invitation for anyone who needed a church home. This year’s event was chaired by the ever so gracious Sandra Lewis and Robert Alexander. 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.
