The City of Elyria sang with one voice this past Sunday,
April 9 as representatives from 16 churches joined together at the First United
Methodist Church for the Elyria Bicentennial Gospel Hymn Sing:
Celebrating Faith and Prosperity. The
mass choir filled the historical sanctuary with song from common hymns in
Elyria’s white and black congregations from the early years to the
present. “This was an amazing display of
Elyrians from all congregations and walks of life joining together to celebrate
our community and our diversity,” said Mayor Holly Brinda. “It was truly an historical event that many,
including myself, will never forget and I hope will inspire all of us to join
together more often.”
Guest speaker John Beckett spoke about the importance of
faith in Elyria’s evolving history and how faith is just as important today to
the City’s and individuals’ development and prosperity. The hymns were selected because of their
lyrics reflect an abiding faith that has endured through many generations. Among the hymns included: Blessed Assurance, When We All Get to
Heaven, Leaning On The Everlasting Arms, and It Is Well With My Soul. Sincere appreciation is extended to event
organizer Jeanine Donaldson and other organizers, participants and choir
representatives.
- Jeanine Donaldson & Elyria YWCA – Event Organizer & Soloist
- Elyria Bicentennial Committee and Mayor’s Office – Event Support
- United Methodist Church – Event Host
- Pastor Kent Joy – Event Welcome
- Dr. Mark Jessie – Event Welcome
- Mayor Holly Brinda – City Welcome
- John Beckett – Event Speaker
- Betty Halliburton – Event Moderator
- Reverend Terrance Bivens – Choir Conductor
- Reverend Howard Harris – Music Support
- Reverend Darrell Shumpert – Music Support
- Blossie Wright - Soloist
- Felicia Cunningham - Soloist
- Reverend Carl B. Small - Soloist
- Asbury Methodist Church – founded 1897
- Church of the Rock Ministries - founded 1997
- Community United Methodist Church – founded 1965
- First United Methodist Church – founded 1827
- Full Gospel Faith Fellowship – founded 1996
- Jones Chapel – AME Church – founded 1924
- Mount Zion Baptist Church – founded 1921
- St John Lutheran Church – founded 1869
- Bethany Baptist Church – founded 1915
- Community of Faith United Church of Christ – founded 2015
- First Congregational United Church of Christ – founded 1824
- First United Presbyterian – founded 1912
- Greater Christ Temple – founded 1930
- St Andrew Episcopal – founded 1837
- Second Baptist Church – founded 1933
- Washington Avenue Christian Church – founded 1881
