UVOP President Sophia Eversley, sixth from left, entrance row, with members at live performance’s finish.
Picture by Nelson A. King
The United Voices of Reward (UVOP) at Fenimore Avenue United Methodist Church in Brooklyn on Saturday hosted its 2nd Annual “Night of Worship” in partial commemoration of Caribbean-American Heritage Month.
“After our first live performance in June 2023, I used to be motivated to proceed with the needs of our former director Russell Cohen, who was deceased in 2017”, UVOP present Barbadian-born director Sophia Eversley advised Caribbean Life after near-two-hour-long live performance on the church on the nook of Rogers Avenue and Fenimore Avenue.
“Developing with a theme was straightforward, as I needed to point out that the choir can sing completely different genres of music,” she added. “’An Night of Worship’ was determined upon, and the music was chosen, with the assistance of an orchestra, which might take the worship to a different stage.”
Eversley mentioned the picks have been properly obtained and that she was “once more beaming with delight with their efficiency.
“They outdid themselves this 12 months, with all their arduous work and dedication, making my coronary heart smile,” she mentioned. “I’m very grateful and don’t take them as a right.”
The UVOP choir was complemented with solo renditions by Gerard Placide (“Holy”); Shani Boxill (“Uyingcwele – Holy”); the Rev. Melvin Boone, senior pastor of Vanderveer Park United Methodist Church in Brooklyn (“Breathe” and “Agnes Dei”); Abena Amory, daughter of celebrated Vincentian-born soprano Erlene Williams-King and the late Premier of Nevis Vance Amory (“Refiners Fireplace); and Brenda Byfield (“My Assist”).
Byfield and Amory additionally supplied particular picks, to loud applause and standing ovation, respectively, with “All I Need Is You” (Byfield); and “You Made a Method” and “The Goodness of God” (Amory).
“God has been good to us,” mentioned Mistress of Ceremonies Benita Lynn Malloy, UVOP vp, after their performances.
After the orchestra performed “Nice Day”, Rev. Boone led UVOP with “Draw Me Shut” and “Draw Me Nearer,” as your complete choir introduced the home down with “Experience On King Jesus” and “Stand Up”.
Earlier than sustained applause, Malloy mentioned: “Thanks all for coming; hope your hearts have been warmed.”
Eversley mentioned UVOP began its journey in ministry to God on Could 23, 2004.
Since that point, 19 years in the past, she mentioned the choir has “continued to sing the praises of our risen Lord every 4th Sunday proper right here at Fenimore United Methodist church.”
Eversley mentioned UVOP often sings with the church’s Chancel Choir and Gospel Refrain, and is a part of the Mass Choir for particular events, similar to Christmas, Easter and Church Anniversary Worship Companies.
“The United Voices of Reward choir wish to thank the members of the Fenimore Avenue United Methodist Church and the Pastor the Rev. Roger Jackson for his or her continued help,” she mentioned. “This is not going to be the final of the choir’s ministry. With God’s assist, we are going to proceed to host many extra concert events sooner or later.
“We might additionally wish to thank our mates, who we now name household, who come 12 months after 12 months to mix their voices and assist make us a hit,” she added.
