The Sanctuary Choir of Dawson Memorial Baptist Church, Birmingham, in Birmingham Baptist Association, has a special assignment in the nation’s capitol. As one of nine groups and one of two churches participating in the 2008 National Memorial Day Choral Festival May 23–26, the choir will pay tribute to those who have served and sacrificed to secure the nation’s freedoms.
This year, the festival is celebrating the 225th anniversary of the end of the American Revolution. Dawson’s choir members will sing at the National Ceremony of Remembrance and the National Memorial Day Parade opening ceremonies.
"This is an opportunity for choir members to represent Christ as they interact with the people of Washington, D.C.," said Dawson Senior Pastor Gary Fenton. "This missions trip is not to show how well the choir performs, but to give evidence of the love of the Lord Jesus Christ."
Bob Hatfield, who has directed the now 200-member choir for nearly 30 years, emphasized the choir’s two-fold aim of glorifying God and leading others to worship him. "As a result, choir members also grow in their relationship with God," he said.
On May 18 at 6 p.m., the Sanctuary Choir will present its music at a home concert titled, "The Testament of Freedom." Choir members will sing declarations penned by Thomas Jefferson. The 40-piece Dawson orchestra will also perform, and active military personnel and veterans, as well as their families, will be recognized.
For more information, visit www.dawsonchurch.org. (TAB)
Share with others: