More McHenry County Blog

Having no experience at reviewing a musical performance, I hardly know how to explain what I experienced Saturday night.

Chicago’s Gorham United Methodist Church choir came by bus to sing gospel music at the 5 P.M. service of the First United Methodist Church of Crystal Lake.

The connection was made when Gorham’s minister Darneather Murph-Heath became Crystal Lake’s associate pastor.

The excuse was Black History Month, but this choir, started in 1976, could take up residence in Crystal Lake and I would be a regular attendee.

The energy and enthusiasm of the singing was contagious, not to mention sacred.

Against a backdrop of its choir directress’ absence because of her father’s medical condition, the service was interspersed with heartfelt prayers for his recovery.

Musical director and pianist XXX, who is studying for the ministry, was brought to tears during his heartfelt plea for healing.

He explained how a Caucasian member named Mark had been in the hospital. The choir had visited him, praying for his coming out of his coma and singing to him. On Monday he awoke.

He told the congregation that he originally wanted to be a rock musician and even helped record a top-ten record, but now dedicated his talents to the Lord.

Maybe it’s because I am a guy, but I remember three solos by men in the choir.

Not what they sang, mind you, just that their voices were different.

The first was a man with a middle range voice.

What's it called?

Alto?

Whatever it is called, Darrell, whom I met in the cloakroom, was powerful.
Next was a young tenor (if I get this wrong, it’s because I know next to nothing about music).

As you can see in this picture to the right, I was fascinated by the way he handled the microphone.

The oldest man in the choir sang a bass solo.

The rendition was simply stunning, especially the low note he hit at the end of his song.

Now, I’m not saying the female soloists, including stand-in choir director YYY, were not outstanding.

They were.

Dancers from the Willie Hubbard Anointed Angel performed their worship twice.

They included Pastor Heath’s daughters (and granddaughter, in the second dance) gave two performances.

“Energetic” does not begin to describe the complication choreography.

There is no doubt the Holy Spirit was present.

And those white folks in the Crystal Lake congregation.

A good number were actually standing up and clapping. Both Ronnie Verboom, our previous associate pastor, and Pastor Heath have chaffed at the very limited physical participation of Methodists in Crystal Lake.

I have trouble getting into such activity, so I was glad I had the excuse of taking pictures during the service.

Look at this one of the choir director saluting his drummer.

But, I certainly admit the atmosphere was invigorating.

The 5 P.M. service usually concludes at 6.

We got home at 7 with no feeling that we had been at church too long.

It was probably the longest service I have attended in Crystal Lake.