Handel’s Messiah

In a small London house on Brook Street, a servant sighs with resignation as he arranges a tray full of food
he assumes will not be eaten. For more than a week he has faithfully continued to wait on his employer,
and eccentric composer, who spends hour after hour isolated in his own room. Morning, noon, and
evening and returns later to find the bowls and platters largely untouched.

Once again he steels himself to go through the same routine, muttering under his breath about how oddly
temperamental musicians can be. As he swings open the door to the composer’s room, the servant stops
in his tracks.

The startled composer, tears streaming down his face, turns to his servant and cries out, “I did think I did
see all of Heaven before me, and the great God Himself.” George Frederick Handel had just finished
writing a movement that would take its place in history as the “Hallelujah Chorus.”

This work has had an uncanny spiritual impact on the lives of its listeners. One writer has stated that the
Messiah’s music and message “has probably done more to convince thousands of mankind that there is a
God about us than all the theological works ever written.”

In 1992, music and history combined to celebrate G. F. Handel’s original “Messiah.” Composer and
arranger Mervyn Warren along with co-producer and executive producer Quincy Jones combined gospel,
R & B, and traditional religious traditions and foisted them on a European musical masterpiece. Thus was
born “Handel’s Messiah: A Soulful Celebration”

The feat of putting classical sounds to contemporary rhythms is spectacularly achieved. The Grammy and
Dove award-winning album’s purpose is made known in the Overture, which is aptly titles: “Overture: A
Partial History of Black Music.” To hear it is to hear the genesis of the black American historical
experience—put to music. In most of the songs, Warren takes a traditional first couple notes of George F.
Handel’s oratorio, and then turns the remaining notes on their axis, wheeling and spinning them around
to make a variation on the melody’s theme. To not feel the emotions stirred by the soulful movements is
nearly impossible!
 *Unauthorized recording devices are prohibited. Please turn off all cell phones.*

OVERTURE: A PARTIAL HISTORY

OF BLACK MUSIC

Elizabeth Seton Divine Dancers

COMFORT YE MY PEOPLE

Shelly Moore and Phillip Williams

Zion Baptist Church Dancers

“…and cry unto her, that her warfare is accomplished, that her iniquity is pardoned…The voice of him that
cried in the wilderness; Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make straight in the desert a highway for our
God.” (Isaiah 40:2-3)

EVERY VALLEY SHALL BE EXALTED

Cierra Goode and Roy Patten, Jr. with Dr. Mark A. McCleary

“Every valley shall be exalted, and every mountain and hill made low, the crooked straight and the rough
places plain.” (Isaiah 40:4)
 AND THE GLORY OF THE LORD

Judith Bouknight

“And the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together: for the mouth of the Lord
hath spoken it.” (Isaiah 40:5)

BUT WHO MAY ABIDE

THE DAY OF HIS COMING?

Thomasena Nelson

“But who may abide the day of his coming and who shall stand when He appeareth?
For He is like a refiner’s fire.” (Malachi 3:2)

AND HE SHALL PURIFY

Keiva Richardson
St. Augustine Liturgical Dancers

“And He shall purify the sons of Levi, that they may offer unto the Lord an
offering of righteousness” (Malachi 3:3)

BEHOLD! A VIRGIN SHALL CONCEIVE

Daena Brown

“Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a Son, and shall call his name Emmanuel, God with us.
(Isaiah 7:24; Matthew 1:23)
 FOR UNTO US A CHILD IS BORN

Mass Choir

“For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given, and the government shall be upon His shoulder, and
His name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, the Mighty God, the Everlasting Father, The Prince of
Peace.” (Isaiah 9:6)

GLORY TO GOD*

Children’s Mass Choir

In His Name Liturgical Dancers

“Glory to God in the highest, and peace on earth, good will toward men” (Luke 2:14)

REJOICE GREATLY,
O DAUGHTER OF ZION

GRACE

“Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion! Shout, O daughter of Jerusalem! Behold thy King cometh unto thee!
He is the righteous Saviour, and He shall speak peace unto the heathen.” (Zechariah 9: 9-10)

BEHOLD THE LAMB OF GOD

The Band

“Behold the Lamb of God that taketh away the sin of the world.” (John 1:29)
 LIFT UP YOUR HEADS, O YE GATES

Elizabeth Seaton Gospel Choir

“Lift up your heads, O ye gates, and be ye lifted up, ye everlasting doors, and the King of Glory shall come
in. Who is he King of Glory? The Lord strong and mighty, the Lord mighty in battle. Lift up your heads, O ye
gates and the King of Glory shall come in. Who is the King of Glory? The Lord of Hosts, He is the King of
Glory.” (Psalms 24:7-10)

WHY DO THE NATIONS

SO FURIOUSLY RAGE

Michael Holland

“Why do the nations so furiously rage together? And why do the people imagine such a vain thing? The
kings of the earth rise up, and the rulers take counsel together against the Lord, and against His
Anointed.” (Psalms 2:1-2)

I KNOW MY REDEEMER LIVETH

“I know that my Redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth; and though
worms destroy this body; yet in my flesh shall I see God.” (Job 19:25-26)
“For now is Christ risen from the dead, the first fruits of them that sleep” (I Corinthians 15:20)

HALLELUJAH CHORUS

Mass Choir
Liturgical Dancers

“Hallelujah! For the Lord God omnipotent reigneth. The kingdom of this world is become the kingdom
of our Lord, and of His Christ; and He shall reign forever and ever. King of Kings, and Lord of Lords,
Hallelujah!” (Revelation 11:15, 19:16)
*by Fred Hammond
 About the Director
Since the age of twelve, Samuel E. Cromwell, Jr. has dedicated his music to the Lord’s service. With gospel
music as his first love, he has directed several regional groups including EC Mass Choir, the Bladensburg
Cathedral Choir, Shiloh Baptist Youth choir and gospel choirs for St. Gabriel, St. Martin de Porres and St.
Augustine Churches as well as the First Church of Seventh-day Adventists. His gift has been featured at
the Gospel Music Workshop of America (GMWA) and Thomas Dorsey conventions.

In 2004, he led the Elizabeth Seton Gospel Choir to New York City for their first award-winning
performance at the Pathmark Gospel Music competition. His music ministry has included performances
with Darryl Coley, Tramaine Hawkins, Donnie Harper, and John P. Kee. Mr. Cromwell has touched souls
throughout the United States as well as Toulousse, France, London, England, Toronto, Canada, and Costa
Rica. Through his signature group, GRACE, he continues to declare his unwavering love for God and his
thankfulness for His grace and mercy.

First SDA Mass Choir

Organized in the fall of 2007 with the merger of the Chancel Choir and the Voices of Zion Gospel Choir,
the First SDA Mass choir has a threefold mission:

To praise the Lord—“Sing unto the Lord a new song, and his praise in the congregation of saints.”
(Psalms 149:1)
To edify each other in “teaching and admonishing one another in psalms, hymns and spiritual
songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.” (Colossians 3:16) and
To reach the lost, that our ministry is “as unto a light that shineth in a dark place.” (2 Peter 1:19).

The choir believes that music is a vitally important piece in the journey of faith. Music deepens our
experiences in worship, making celebration, meditation, prayer and mourning even more meaningful.
Through the beauty and power of music, we seek to connect with our Lord in a very personal and
heartfelt manner. From contemporary to sacred classics, the choir melds both music and congregation in
corporate worship to glorify our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Under the capable direction of Samuel E.
Cromwell, we strive to embody the gospel of Jesus Christ by reaching out to others through song ever
lifting up the name of Jesus.
 St. Augustine Gospel Choir
St. Augustine Roman Catholic Church has the unique distinction of being the "Mother Church of Black
Roman Catholics in the Nation's Capital." The church can trace its history back to 1858, and with the help
of President Abraham Lincoln, a group of emancipated Black Catholics set up a school to educate their
children. It is out of this heritage that the St. Augustine Gospel Choir was established in 1977.

Today, the St. Augustine Gospel Choir is under the direction of the highly gifted Mr. Samuel Edison
Cromwell since 1998. The Choir was featured in the Smithsonian Institution's documentary "Wade in the
Water," a four volume history of gospel music, a Christmas Eve edition of ABC's Nightline on gospel music
history, and the "Fire in the Pew," a Passion for Faith; a collaboration project on the impact of gospel
music in the church. The Choir continually spreads "good news" in churches, concert halls and workshops
across the United States and abroad. It has been an exciting 31 years singing in places such as St. Peter's
Basilica in Vatican City for Pope John Paul II, Toulouse, France and San Jose, Costa Rica for the African
Diaspora Festival of the Flowers. The Choir also had the distinguished honor of performing for former
President and Mrs. Clinton. Most recently, in April 2008, the Choir was invited to the White House to
honor Pope Benedict XVI’s first visit to America.

The Gospel Choir's repertoire consists of African American spirituals, hymns and contemporary gospel
music, and can be heard every 1st, 3rd, 4th and 5th Sunday at the 12:30 P.M. Mass at St. Augustine
th
Roman Catholic Church, 15 and V Streets, N.W. in Washington, D.C.

St. Augustine Liturgical Dance Ministry

Sonelius Kendric-Smith and Michelle Bowie formally organized the Saint Augustine Liturgical Dance
Ministry in 1996. In 1999, Minister Joyce Chesley Hayward became the choreographer for the Ministry
and continues to share her gift of choreography across the waters from Bermuda via the videotape
ministry.

The Saint Augustine Liturgical Dance Ministry has ministered at many churches and organizations
throughout D.C. and outside the metro area. They are fully committed to praising our God and seek to
serve Him with integrity in the ministry of movement.

The ministry is thankful to God for the privilege and honor to serve Him during twelve years as dance
ministers and prays that each movement made will be transformed into an act of worship.
 Elizabeth Seton High School Gospel Choir
The Elizabeth Seton High School Gospel Choir, under the direction of Mr. Samuel Cromwell began in
September 1998. Ms. Vanessa Cooke is the moderator. Mrs. Deborah Simpkins joined the choir as a co-
moderator in 2004.

The choir is a group of talented and spirit-filled young women who love singing God’s praises. The group
sings in 3-part harmony which is unique to an all female choir. The group has continued to grow, not just
in their repertoire, but spiritually as well. Over 100 girls yearly have consistently participated in the choir
over the past eleven years. The choir is comprised of students from over 50 different churches and
parishes.

The choir performs at many area churches and for school assemblies and Liturgies. Additionally they
performed at the Pathmark Gospel Choir Competition in New York on three occasions. Twice the group
won 1st Place and they placed 2nd once.

In His Name Liturgical Dance Ministry

July 29, 2006 marked the beginning of a new ministry at the First Church of Seventh-day Adventists and a
dream deferred was realized. The first annual liturgical dance recital, “Dancing with Angels” under the
direction of Deborah Thomas was held. The beauty, grace, and spirituality of praise through expressive
movement were demonstrated by liturgical dance ministries from several area churches. The response of
our membership was overwhelming and the “In His Name Liturgical Dance Ministry was born.

Organized into five subgroups, namely Little Angels (ages 3-6); Shining Stars (7-10); Exalted Praise (11-21);
Ordered Steps (22-39); and Majestic Jewels (40 +), the ministry has provided its members with
opportunity to glory and edify God in worship services at First Church and several other churches in the
Metropolitan Washington area. Choreographers Deborah Thomas, Kari Hines, Patricia John, Alison Nooks
and Niya Davis have thrilled our hearts and elevated our praise in their selection of traditional and
contemporary gospel, Negro spirituals, and hymns as accompaniment for the liturgical expressions. The
ministry also includes a mime group and continues to utilize expressive movements, color, and
synchronicity to interpret the scriptures through dance.
SOLOISTS DRAMATIC SPEAKER

Shelly Moore and Phillip Williams Dr. Mark A. McCleary

Cierra Goode and Roy Patten, Jr.
Judith Bouknight
MUSICIANS
Thomasena Nelson
Keiva Richardson
Jason Craig, Keyboard
Daena Brown
Kevin Holmes, Percussion
Michael Holland
DeWayne Holton, Drums
Warren Jones, Keyboard
GOSPEL GROUP Todd Pincham, Saxophone
John Poindexter, Bass Guitar
GRACE George Stewart, Piano
Lawrence Walker, Lead Guitar

CHOIRS
STILT WALKER
Saint Augustine Catholic Church Gospel
Choir Kombo Omolara
Mass Choir of the First Church of
Seventh-day Adventists BACKGROUND VOCALS
Zion Baptist Church Choir
Elizabeth Seaton Gospel Choir Lynda Hodges
Children’s Mass Choir Eric Hodges
Sharon Hodges

LITURGICAL DANCERS LIGHTING/SOUND PRODUCTION

In His Name Liturgical Dance Ministry, Communications Department, FSDAC

First SDA Church
Saint Augustine Liturgical Dance
Ministry
Elizabeth Seaton Divine Dancers
Zion Baptist Church Dancers
Derek Watts, Director
GRAPHIC DESIGNER
Sheryl Harris-Watts, TruConcepts
 In Appreciation

The Music Department of the First Church of Seventh-day Adventists gratefully

acknowledges the contributions of the following departments and individuals
for their generous support to this endeavor.

Words can never convey the depth of our heartfelt gratitude:

The Pastorate of FSDAC, the Deacon Board, the Communications Department,
the Usher Board, the Deaconess Board

DONORS AND SPONSORS:

GOLD ($101 +)
Geraldine Orr
Three P Inc.
Drs. Lennox & Oudia Westney

SILVER ($40-$100)
Theresa R. C. Benjamin
Art & Jackie Lawson
Michael Moore

BRONZE ($15-$35)
Anjanie Persaud
 Special Thanks from the Director

Pastor Mark McCleary for allowing me to be me.

Presidents and Directors of all choirs and all those who have worked with them
Deborah Jeffries and Vernell Fitzgerald
Nola Mondesir and John Smith

Thomas Clark and the Deacons of First Church

Usher Board
Communications Department

God bless you all and thank you for your continuous love,
support, and hard work on this blessed journey.
Roy and Margaret Anderson
&
Karen Perry and Family
 Contact: Chaplain Robin P. Walker
Phone: 800.295.9271
Email: chap4u@chapsexpressions.com
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