The Ghana Methodist Church Choir, Atlanta, GA celebrated recently what turned out to be a dual occasion of the inauguration and dedication of Choir Robes. The young Church and its even younger Choir celebrated with family and friends this Special day under the theme: 'MY HEART AND VOICE I RAISE, TO SPREAD MESSIAH'S PRAISE!

The Ghana Methodist Church Atlanta, Georgia, was started by the Very Rev. J. Boakye-Danquah, his wife, Osofomaame Mabel Boakye-Danquah, daughter, Georgia and a few Soldiers of Christ, the Church has succeeded in the face of many odds. So has the Choir.

Spearheaded by Osofomaame Mabel Boakye-Danquah and a few dedicated Singers, the Choir, has for years been 'on trial' basis. Many efforts were made by lovers of music to found a vibrant Methodist Choir for our church but all the efforts proved futile. By the many mercies of God, the year 2008 marked a new beginning for our Church when on Sunday March 23rd, eight members stood in front of the congregation to sing the Choir Anthem, SERVICE TO GOD. The cheers the Choir received, encouraged them to start practicing hymns for Sunday services. From thence they never looked back and with the help of the Minister-in-charge, Leaders and other Brethren such as Bro Victor Yamson, Maryland, Bros. Kojo Fletcher and Ato Richardson of New York and by God?s grace the Choir has thrived.

The 25- member Choir under the leadership of Choirmaster of Bro. Dan Acheampong Duah, rendered the late Harvey Essilfie?s ?M?akokyem Nyame? testifying that though ?babes? in the Ministry they feared no evil. The tone was set when Liturgist for the Divine Service Sis. Karen Essiful-Ansah declared ? This is the day that the Lord has made, we will rejoice and be glad in it? and it was joy all the way. The many invited guests who thronged to the Harmony Grove UMC where the Church meets, to welcome the new Choir rejoiced with the Choristers who were robed by kith and kin and then processed formally for the first time singing joyfully ? Head of the Church Triumphant? [MHB 411]. They were accompanied by the Ghanaian S.D.A and the United Ghana Christian Church Choirs who later rendered Anthems.

Among the Special Guests who witnessed the Occasion were Nana Gyetuah Acheampong, Asantefuohene of Atlanta and his wife, Sis Bertha Acheampong, herself an ace Chorister and member of the UGCC Choir. The Chairpersons were Bro. and Sis. Stephen Kumi, Bro. & Sis G. Awuah ? Fosu, Bro. Brandine Manla, Bro. Steve Ebbert and Prof. and Mrs. Larry Cornelius. The Choirs? Patrons and Lady Patrons present were introduced to the Congregation.

In a message the Lay Chairman of The Methodist Church Ghana North America, Opanin Kook Fosu stated among others Ghana Methodism has always thrived on singing of Hymns, songs of praise and worship, adding ?Our unique Ebibindwom which the Choirs, Singing Bands and Lyric Singers have led, make us stand out. The Lay Movement Council of North America celebrates with you on this grand dual occasion and prays that your Ministry in leading the Church in worship will grow by leaps and bounds, with the help of the Holy Spirit. Please remember always that without him, it will be entertainment not ministry. Singing in God?s Choir is a privilege. It is by God?s grace that we are saved, chosen and made a part of the Priesthood of Believers.?

The Choirmaster in turn rendered thanks to all those who had helped to make the Choir a reality. In his Message, Bro. Acheampong Duah stated ?God has been faithful to us all. We have all lived to see this day. He has made in - a day to rejoice and be glad. We thus join anonymous Hymnist to raise our hearts and voices to spread our Messiah?s praise. He who loved us and died for us making us worthy of His Kingdom, worthy to serve in His Vineyard, worthy to sing His praise. We rejoice indeed for God has been good to us all.? It was his prayer that what the Lord has begun He will expand to his own glory.

An Appeal for Funds was launched by Bro. Stephen Kumi with the view to helping the young Choir pay for the Robes. An Induction Service was held for the Officers of the new Choir. The Rev. Prof E.Y.Lartey dedicated the Robes with the help of the Clergy present namely Rev. I. I. Arthur of Emory University, Revs. Dr. R. Long and Jim Landis, Ministers of Harmony Grove UMC.

Preaching the Sermon, Very Rev. Stephen Owusu, Superintendent Minister of the New Jersey/ New York Circuit and Minister-in-charge of Ghana Emmanuel Methodist Church, Newark, New Jersey congratulated the new Choir and encouraged then to forge ahead by faith. Dwelling on the theme, he stated that praising God for salvation is an individual matter as is salvation. He stated that Christians should be sincere in the act of praise comprising heart and voice. He told the Choir and Congregation that the work in the cross must be taken advantage of because sin and hell are real and salvation is a matter of now because after death, it is all over. He pleaded with Choir to be true Servants of God who while singing others into Christ?s Kingdom and themselves members of that Kingdom. ?Don't be like Signposts showing others the way to Church while never coming into the Church while never coming into the Church themselves? The Very Rev. Stephen Owusu told the new Choristers. As true Methodists eschew drunkenness, immorality, lying etc. since ministration with anointing can only come from a holy life, the Very Rev. S. Owusu concluded.

Moving the vote of thanks, Sis. Josephine Yankey full of gratitude told all present that God had done a lot for the Choir and indeed the Ghana Methodist Church. She thanked the Clergy, Chairpersons and Invited Guests and made special mention of the Leaders and members of Ghana Emmanuel Methodist Church, Newark, New Jersey who wholeheartedly footed the bill for the journey of the Very Rev. Owusu the Preacher for the day.

When all was said and done, it was a day of joy for Choristers and Congregants a day many present will talk about for many days, joining the Ghana Methodist Church to raise heart and voice in spreading the Messiah? s praise.