Elder Roger Hairston, visionary and former C.L.G. National Minister of Music,
got the telephone number of the late Apostle Patricia A. Jones, Pastor of the former
McCullough Memorial C.L.G. in Harrisburg, PA from our past Assistant National
Minister of Music, Elder Barbara Ward-Farmer and that was the beginning of the first
C.L.G. National Music Conference held Friday, March 31 to Sunday, April 2, 1989, in
Harrisburg, PA. The workshops, rehearsals, and Sunday Morning Service were held at
McCullough Memorial Church on Regina Street. A hospitality luncheon was provided
for the delegates by McCullough Memorial Church. The services were graciously
hosted by Elder Doc Gilmore and the congregation of Mt. Calvary C.O.G.I.C. Our
President General, Bishop Jesse J. White, Sr. sanctioned the National Music
Conference; while our Vice-President General, Bishop David Drone of Ohio and
Bishop Lillian Ward of NJ attended. Although met by a winter storm, the bus from
Akron and the large delegations from Camden & New England rode through the
storm and packed it out. Also, there were locals, like the Wilson family and from as
far as the Gulf Coast! The National Mass Choir ministered original songs in concert
with a mini-concert by the National Children’s Choir, directed by Sis. Patricia Wood,
Sis. Geronnie Clark, and Missionary Angela Herndon. Some of our pioneer musicians
were Min. Bryon Ward, Min. Garry Herndon, Sr., and our introduction to Bro. Anthony
McMillan, who has been adopted by the Churches of the Living God as a faithful
servant. NMC initial officers: Elder Roger Hairston – National Min. of Music, Elder
Barbara Farmer – National Assistant Min. of Music, Apostle Patricia Jones – Spiritual
Advisor, Deacon Virgle McGrady, Sr. – Treasurer, Minister Carolyne Sullivan-Historian,
Minister A. E. Sullivan, Jr. – Public Relations, Elder Ronald McGee – Hospitality, and
Elder Charlotte Alexander - Finance Team.
By the next year, the former McCullough Memorial Church could no longer
hold the increase of the National Music Conference. Deaconess Betty Beene of
Tupelo, MS chartered bus load(s) from the south. From 1990-1992 all of the
workshops and services were held at the Mt. Calvary C.O.G.I.C. Bro Frank Gainey of
Philadelphia worked the registration tables faithfully for subsequent years. Some of
our early facilitators were Minister Ronald King, Bro. Kevin Pringle, Brother Willis,
Elder Jessie White, Evangelist Wendell Miller, Elder Lance Dardan, Bro. Howard
Kennedy, Sister Michelle Bradshaw, Bro. Thomas Adams, Minister Rodney Green,
Minister Carol Ellerbe, and of course, our very own Elder Hairston, and Elder Farmer.
In March 1993, the 5th annual conference made its’ first move to Columbus,
Ohio, where Elder Hairston and his local church, Temple of Faith C.L.G. hosted. It was
there, the Lord blessed us to make our first live recording, entitled “He’s Brought Me”
written by Elder Hairston at Triedstone Church. Due to the recording project, Thursday
evening service was added to the conference. We were blessed to rehearse at
Refuge Baptist Church which was shepherded by Elder Hairston’s late father, and
enjoyed delicious meals prepared by his mother, the late Mrs. Henrietta Hairston.
Bishop Drone, Bishop Hopkins, Bishop L. Ward, Bishop Warren, and Bishop Robins
blessed the NMC with gifts of $300 for the first recording.
The next year, 1994, we returned to the birthplace of the National Music
Conference at Mt. Calvary, in Harrisburg. For the first time, the workshops and
rehearsals were in the hotel. The workshops were: Pastor & Musician Relationship by
Elder Jesse White, Copyright Laws & Recording by Elder William Jones, To Be Or Not
To Be Gospel with Elder Farmer, Elder Hairston facilitated Choir Decorum, Sound
Engineering by Bro. Milt Matthews, Praise & Worship with Sis. Denise Williams, and
Praise Dancing was introduced by Sis. Pam Stewart. Special guest, recording artist,
Minister Douglas Miller held solo & choir workshops with the C.L.G. Mass Choir and
ministered together in the evening service and he also preached.
The 7th annual conference, March 1995, was made unique with many first.
The entire convention held all events in the hotel, The Holiday Inn, Harrisburg-East.
The N.M.C. mission statement written by Elder William Jones, Jr. was printed for the
first time. Evangelist Angela Herndon held the first children’s music classes. Another
new tradition initiated by Evangelist Kelvin Ransey, who led powerful prayer &
ministry each morning. Additional NMC team members were: Sis. Shelia Tapscott,
Secretary, Sis. Frances Lavender, workshop coordinator, Min. Ramona Kinard,
Praise/Worship coordinator, Min. Vanessa Thornton, Usher coordinator, and Sis.
Rhonda Hill, booklet coordinator. The NMC held Vendor/Exhibitor Area for the first
time. The Gospel Talent Showcase originated this same year, and the winner – Min.
Garry Herndon, Sr. The Church of the Living God may have made more history, while
operating the NMC, the Officers’ Retreat, and the Budgeting & Structure Team
simultaneously, in the same location.
The faithful delegates of the Southern New England Diocese hosted the 8th
Annual Music Conference, in March 1996, at the Holiday Inn Downtown and First
C.L.G. in Hartford, CT, the home of our President General, Bishop Jesse White, Sr.
During this conference, the National Mass Choir prepared for the 2nd recording,
“Worship the Lord” written by Evangelist Kelvin Ransey, which was held the following
August at the National Youth Congress in Harrisburg at the Hilton & Towers. Along
with Evangelist Ransey, several other C.L.G. born song writers were showcased on
this recording: Elder Courtney Pope, Min. Melody Sherman Tate, the late Pastor Troy
Hopkins, and Elder Farmer. The National Children’s Choir sang an original written by
Evangelist & Min. Herndon with a violin solo by 12 year old Miss Angela Holland of
Mount Calvary COGIC.
In March 1997, the 9th Annual Music Conference convened at Grace Temple
C.L.G., Steelton, PA, hosted by Bishop Ivy Hopkins, Executive Administrator. Our
Former National Assistant Minister of Music Melody Sherman Allen preached until
His train filled the temple. Minister Jamar Jones could no longer play the organ, but
was slain in the spirit.
The 10th Annual Music Conference, March 1998, was once again hosted at
McCullough Memorial C.L.G., 18th & State Streets, Harrisburg, at the newly
purchased edifice were the entire conference was accommodated, “Look where God
brought us from”! By this time some changes in administration had taken place,
Elder Farmer, National Minister of Music, Rev. Melody Sherman and Sister Betty
Beene, National Assistant Minister of Music, Elder Hairston, Music Advisor, Sis. Chi
Chi Nabors, Secretary, and Sis. Marcella Knight, Hotel Coordinator. Bro. Larry Farmer,
Sr. manned the vending areas selling CLG recordings and operating sound
equipment, Sis. Sonya Hairston sold CLG Music Conference sweatshirts and tees.
National Musicians: Min. Jamar Jones, the Late, Rev. Troy Hopkins, Bro. Curtis
Andrews, and Bro. Darrell Williams. While Min. Garry Herndon, Sr. provided
transportation for our out of town guest, Bro. Larry Farmer Jr. made his Music
Conference debut as the organist for the National Children’s Choir. Local guest,
known as the largest gospel singing family: The Scott White Evangelistic Crusade of
Steelton ministered in song. The first Music Award Recognition Prayer Breakfast at
9:30 a.m. Were you there? Mother Bernice Hopkins received a Living Legend Award
for her many years of musical service to the Lord. Friday evening, special guest:
Evangelist Rita Twiggs of Washington, D.C. preached and preached up a storm – a
snow storm.
In March 1999, the 11th NMC convened in Detroit, Michigan, host pastor,
Elder Lillian Robinson. Services were held in two locations: Thursday evening –
United Temple COGIC, where recording artist Dorinda Clark Cole preached –“Lord,
Don’t Take Your Spirit From Me” and the renowned Perfecting Ministries Center,
Marvin Winans, pastor. Our National Minister of Music, Elder Farmer recognized the
great heritage of one of Detriot’s own – Professor Edward G. Robinson. Guest
presenters: Sister Deloris Brown of New Jersey, Sister Renee Washington, Brother
Derrick Starks, and Minister Kenny Wells (who has worked with many gospel artist) of
Michigan. Elder Benjamin Drone brought the gospel choir from Buchtel High School,
Akron, Ohio, who has attended every year thereafter. We always enjoy them and they
are a great asset to the NMC. In the summer of that year, the NMC made its’ third
recording, during the National Youth Congress held in Chicago, IL, and was produced
by Minister Melody Sherman and Bro. Darrell Williams, who wrote the title cut, “Help
Me Praise Him”.
Our first trip of southern hospitality, in Tupelo, Mississippi, with Bishop
Clarence Parks hosting dual conferences: 12th NMC and the Ministerial Retreat led
by our General Overseer, Bishop Jesse White, Sr. Deaconness Betty Beene’s bus
planning skills were able to take a break this year. The speaker for the Music Awards
Recognition Prayer Breakfast was Min. Shawn Wilson. During the Saturday evening
concert, after Bishop Hairston led the CLG Mass Choir in the Hymn, “Oh To Be Kept
By Jesus”, we had a Shechinah Glory experience. When God was finished – we
departed.
Back to Columbus, Ohio, for the 13th Annual NMC, in March 2001, held at
Temple of Faith CLG, Bishop Hairston’s church and visiting once more, Triedstone
Baptist Church. After recent elections, Bro. Curtis Andrews serves as our National
Assistant Minister of Music. Minister Kresta Reno contributes as the Microsoft
publisher souvenir booklet coordinator. Friday evening service guest preacher:
Bishop Keith Williams of Columbus. Evangelist Kelvin Ransey was the speaker for the
4th Music Awards Recognition Prayer Breakfast. Min. Carol Ellerbe brought the
Woodrow Wilson Alumni Choir, who really blessed us with their skillful singing.
The next four years were spent on the Atlantic Coast, hosted by Pennsylvania Bishop Ivy Hopkins and New Jersey - Bishop Lillian Ward. Workshops and sessions
were held in the Historic District, Downtown Philadelphia hotels with the
extracurricular activities of shopping and eating. Services were in Camden, NJ, at
Faith Tabernacle CLG where our National Minister of Music, Elder Barbara Farmer is
the pastor and Antioch Baptist Church, Rev. John O. Parker, pastor. Several
administration changes occurred during this time. Bishop Clarence Parks serves as
the Auxiliary Bishop of the NMC, Sis. Sonya Hairston became treasurer, Min. Larry
Herndon, NMC Children’s Director, Elder Kelvin Ransey, Spiritual Advisor. Bro. Larry
Farmer Jr., Bro. Keith Simpson, and Bro. George Parks are National Musicians, with
Honorary Musicians: Min. Jamar Jones, Min. Damon, Bro. Antoine, Bro Quadris, and
Bro. Anthony McMillan serving also as our sound engineer. Providing equipment
logistics are Sis. Sabrina & Bro. Larry Farmer. Our Praise Dance instructor has been
Bro. Brandon Davis & Sis. Margaret Estelle, National Praise Team Leader. For two
years we feasted from the ministry of Rev. Steven Ford, music producer and
musician, who gave a profound initial sermon, in March 2002 – Who would have
known that it was his first sermon? In 2003, Elder Farmer presented memorial
awards on behalf of the late Bro. James McKnight and the late Apostle Patricia Jones,
former Spiritual Advisor. Elder Benjamin Drone’s seeds continued to blossom, in the
same year, another bus joined the Akron caravan with students from Firestone High
School. They have made the NMC a tradition too.
In 2004, during the National Youth Congress in Detroit, MI, the NMC made its
4th recording. We must release this work and spread it! The choir was formed from
our sons and daughters, the next generation of CLG musicians, soloist, and singers,
who have grown-up, from the children & young adult choirs, and now represent the
Churches of the Living God Mass Choir. They made us proud as they glorified God in
song. We drugged them. Yes, we drugged them to the National Music conference, we
drugged them to the National Youth Congress, we drugged them from city to city and
state to state, all day Sunday, and during the week. We drugged them. Aren’t you
glad you drugged them? Now, our young people’s achievements are reflective of 16
years of perseverance through a seed God planted in Bishop Roger Hairston and
Elder Barbara Ward Farmer.
In 2006, the NMC was brought back to Harrisburg and Mt. Calvary COGIC. The
Bishops also held a Minister’s Retreat at the Crowne Plaza downtown. Last year the
19th NMC was held in the Philadelphia/Camden area.
CLG Proud: Min. Melody Tate is recording artist. Sis. Kristy Richardson, who
also sang solo with The Mississippi Mass Choir, now sings back-up with Ce Ce
Winans. Min. Kevin Wilson works for world renowned recording artist, Fred
Hammond. Min. Darrell Williams has recorded with his group. Sis. Benita Farmer has
become a recording artist. Min. Jamar Jones is the music director for Bishop T.D.
Jakes at the Potter’s House.
2008! Twenty Years, you are here in Greensboro. You are a part of history!
Thank-you one and all from the NMC to: the Bishops, Pastors, Guests, and Members
of the Churches of the Living God. We, the Churches of the Living God, thank God for
our Music Leaders who have acted on their visions from God and have allowed us to
be a part of it. Only God knows how the next twenty years will unfold; and as Elder
Farmer so eloquently penned, her song: If God Be For Us, Who Can Be Against Us!
Rev. Angela Sullivan-Herndon,
Author
Elder Carolyne (McGrady) Sullivan,
NMC Historian
Diocese Ministers of Music,
The NMC Salutes You
For All Your Years of Dedication!
(Names provided from NMC program booklets from 1990 -2001)
Sis. Ida Jean Wimbley
Bro. Gregory Gates
Elder Roger Hairston
Min. Tommy Fisher
Bro. Michael Ransey
In Memory of: Ingrid Raper
Rodgers
Sis. Betty Beene
Bro. Marvine Warren
Bro. Perry Mays
Evangelist Courtney Pope
Sis. Chanel Pope
Evangelist Barbara Farmer
Evangelist Wendell Miller
Min. Ronald King
Min. Rodney Green
Sis. Renee Maddox
Sis. Sheila Clark
Bro. Shawn Wilson
Sis. Chi Chi Mapson
Bro. Walter May
Bro. Jay Clemmons
Sis. Velma Hill
Sis. Mabel Williams
Bro. Jerry Drone
Elder Benjamin Drone
Min. A.E. Sullivan, Jr.
Sis. Ramona Kinard
Elder Jesse White, Jr.
Bro. Dennis Nash
Bro. Douglas Major
Sis. Bertha McSwain
Rev. George Hadley
Bro. J.C. Beene
Sis. Cheryl Jones
Sis. Linda Tribbey
In Memory of: Pastor Troy
Hopkins
Sis. Melody Sherman
Rev. James McLain, Jr.
Evangelist Lorraine White
Min. Byron Ward
Sis. Carol Ellerbe
Evangelist Sandra Manuel
In Memory of: Deacon
James Knight
Elder Michael Roberts
Sis. Faith Jackson
Sis. Wylene Woods
Min. Tracy Baker
Min. Jamar Jones
Bro. Curtis Andrews
Elder Pat Smith
Bro. Ron Lindsey
Min. Kerric Sparrow
Sis. Benita Farmer
Thank-You!