Music has the charm

By Madeline Marcelia Garvin

There are so many things for which one can be thankful, and although everyone is not given the gift to sing and perform music in a beautiful way, one can definitely appreciate the gifts and talents of others. That is what I am applauding today, the gifts and talents of “The Seeds of Faith” choral ensemble.

Sunday, June 14, 2009, I had not planned to go anywhere because I was tired. Saturday, I had just returned to town; therefore, Sunday, I decided to do absolutely nothing, except telephone a few people, and one of them would be my cousin Hana Stith to share some materials and information that I had acquired for the African/African American Museum. However, Hana started telling me about the Seeds of Faith and the Praise Team’s Pre- Women’s Day Concert that was being presented by the Rev. Dr. Archie L. Criglar Sr., pastor at Turner Chapel A.M.E. Church. For those of you who know my cousin Hana Stith, it is difficult to tell her “no,” when she summons you to either attend or do something in that sweet mellifluous voice.

Nevertheless, after agreeing to attend the program, I began readying myself at approximately 2:45 p.m., and I journeyed over to 836 East Jefferson St., for the 4 p.m. program where I had an awakening, maybe even an epiphany because I had no idea that Gene Butler and company could sing so well. They—the Seeds of Faith singers Sheila Bates, Gene Butler, Karla Doty, Don Easley, Maria Howe, Denise Morris and Famious Williams, along with musicians Michael Patterson, John Mark Sharp and Kenny Williams—made me recall the Mighty Clouds of Joy, with their renditions of “I Just Want to Do Your Will,” “Thank You Lord,” “”Hallelu Is the Highest Praise” and “Shake the Foundation.” The foundation actually began reverberating, along with the music in the soul of many of those who were in attendance because members in the audience got up on their feet.

Though I was tired when I first entered the sanctuary, when I left I was “no ways tired.” The jubilation and the passion that exuded from the countenance of guitarist Michael Patterson made me smile from ear to ear. The featured soloist Famious Williams’s rendition of “Glad I’ve Got Jesus” spoke to many of those who were seated in the pews because one could feel the floor shake due to their happy feet.

Finally, as the scripture reads: “They ministered with music…” (1 Chronicles 6:32a), and at the conclusion of the program, when I applauded Patterson regarding his guitar skills, the first thing he humbly said to me was, “It looks like you were enjoying yourself.” One could not help but enjoy oneself that Sunday because “music has the charm.”

So, I thank you, Cousin Han, for that sweet invitation. I exited this program with a smile on my face, and I look forward to another musical concert that is just as good if not better.

This is part of the June 24, 2009 online edition of Frost Illustrated.

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