[Posted Jan. 30, 2008]

Hundreds Turn Out
For Annual Guild
Anniversary Event

     The Tenth Anniversary Concert Celebration of the Hampton Roads Choir Directors’/Organists’ Guild was held at the Booker T. Washington High School Auditorium on Friday, January 11, 2008.  Hundreds of music lovers attended the event, which featured some of Tidewater’s most gifted singing aggregations. 

Mr. Ford presents awards to Mrs. McInnis (president of the HRCDOG) and Mrs. Hamlin; also shown, Mr. McCullough and Mrs. Eccles (co-chairs of the Anniversary Committee). 

      Those featured were the (combined) choirs of First Calvary Baptist Church and First Church of Christ (Hol) USA; Norfolk United Methodist Church and Greater Mt. Zion Baptist Church; Metropolitan A.M.E. Zion; and Bank Street Memorial Baptist Church, St. Mary’s Catholic Church, and New Calvary Baptist Church. 
     Mr. LaSalle Blanks of TV Station WVEC was Master of Ceremonies, and the program opened with Mr. Julius E. McCullough directing the choirs and audience in singing “The Lord’s Prayer.”  Accompanists for this selection were Mrs. Cecelia Hamlin and Mr. Randy Walston.  Other accompanists and directors for the evening were Mrs. Ann McInnis, Mr. Edward Hicks, Mrs. Ruby Mann Pool, Mr. Donald Saunders, Mrs. Elizabeth Eccles, Mr. John Vann, Jr., and Dr. Carl G. Harris, Jr.
       Mr. Charles Ford, president of the Hampton University Ministers Conference Choir Directors’/Organists’ Guild Workshop, presented awards to Mrs. McInnis, Mrs. Hamlin, and Dr. James Handy in recognition of their outstanding contributions to the community.
      DVDs of the concert are available, and may be purchased for $10.00 (in support of HRCDOG Scholarship Fund).  To make a purchase, call 553-7545 or email lebron2@cox.net.

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