WORSHIP ARTS
L'Tanya Moore-Copeland
Director of Worship Arts
“Praise the LORD.Praise God in his sanctuary; praise him in his mighty heavens. Praise him for his acts of power; praise him for his surpassing greatness. Praise him with the sounding of the trumpet, praise him with the harp and lyre, praise him with timbrel and dancing, praise him with the strings and pipe, praise him with the clash of cymbals, praise him with resounding cymbals. Let everything that has breath praise the LORD. Praise the LORD.”
– Psalm 150 (NIV)
Choir #1
Choir #1
DIRECTOR: Dr. Anthony Stenson
CONTACT: Carlton Allen, Sr.
EMAIL: carltona53@hotmail.com
Description
Choir # 1 is the oldest Choir at Saint Philip AME Church founded in 1910 under Rev. W. J. Williams in Reynoldstown. The Choir’s first president was Brother Matthew Peters, who served the choir for several years. Mr. Carlton Allen currently serves as the choir president.
Choir # 1 has a repertoire that includes Anthems, Negro Spirituals, Hymn Arrangements and Gospel Music. This diversity has afforded the choir opportunities to sing for Holiday Celebrations at The Atlanta Fernbank Science Museum and Martin Luther King Celebrations for The Atlanta Jewish Temple Sinai. Choir #1 is also featured during th Annual Joyful Noise for Toys Christmas Concert. In 2017, Choir # 1 presented its first Negro Spirituals Concert (which will be presented annually) the last Sunday in February. Each year, The concert invites 8 of Atlanta’s finest choirs to celebrate the work of the Negro Spiritual.
Choir # 1 rehearses every Thursday at 7:00pm and ministers on the First Sunday (Communion Sunday) of each month.
The W.N. Griffin Jr.Choir
W.N.Griffin Jr. Choir
DIRECTOR: Allen Griffin
CONTACT: Cleasie Hickson
EMAIL: cmhickson@dekalbcountyga.gov
Description
Originally known as Choir Number Two, the choir was formed in November of 1944, under the leadership of the late Reverend J.S. Roddy in Reynoldstown. The original seven (7) members of the choir were:
Mrs. Ora L. Holmes Mrs. Lucille Lowe
Mrs. Nettie Tatum Mrs. Emma Whitehead
Mrs. Hattie Kelly Mrs. Louise Maddox
Mrs. Helen Trimble
Choir #2 (W. N. Griffin Jr. Gospel Choir), received its name because it was designated to serve on the Second Sunday in the month. This choir was not only a mighty singing unit but has always been involved in the outreach programs for the church in areas of missions, health and education. Singing primarily Traditional Gospel Music, this choir has ministered all over the United States presenting yearly concerts in Baltimore, Cleveland, Ohio, Kentucky and Pensacola Florida. This choir also served as a Choir in The production of Black Nativity.
In 1987, Choir #2 produced a recording entitled “Consecration” under the direction of Ms. Joann Price and Mr. Ronald Stevens. The choir received national recognition for their arrangement of the song “It Is Well” which the choir still keeps in its repertoire. The choir performed its first concert at SPC under the direction of Charles Westmoreland in 1995.
In 2001, The choir’s name was changed to honor one of its faithful soloist and members Mr. W.N. Griffin, Jr. . It has since grown to approximately 120 members, and currently is one of the largest choirs of Saint Philip AME Church.
The W.N. Griffin Jr. Gospel Choir rehearses on Thursdays at 7:00pm and ministers on the Second Sunday.
The Mighty Male Chorus
The Mighty Male Chorus
DIRECTOR: Ronald Stevens
CONTACT: Carlton Allen, Sr.
EMAIL: carltona53@hotmail.com
Description
The Mighty Male Chorus was organized in May, 1979 through the efforts of the late Mr. Grady Patillo. Mr. Patillo served as president for three years. The Male Chorus sings quartet and traditional gospel music with its musicians Michael Gordon and Ronald Stevens. Williams Byers, Lambert Reed, Wayne Thompson, and Carton Allen have served as the choirs Presidents over the years.
The Mighty Male Chorus has been featured across the state in several Men’s Concerts for the AME Church. Travelling yearly, to Moultrie Georgia to present and Annual Men’s Day Concert. The Choir was the lead choir for the East Atlanta Men’s Mass Choir which was a concert featuring Men’s Choir of the East District of the Atlanta North Georgia Conference.
The Mighty Male Chorus has a heart for men serving the Lord in song but also in service. The Male Chorus brings canned goods each fourth Sunday to stock our Food Pantry. The Male Chorus is known for showing up at the homes of members who are ill and experiencing bereavement in large numbers to pray and sing and encourage. What A Blessing!
The Mighty Male Chorus rehearses on Mondays at 7:30pm and ministers on the fourth Sundays at 11:00am.
The Moring Praise Choir
The Morning Praise Choir
DIRECTOR: L”Tanya Moore-Copeland
CONTACT: Monica Gilbert
EMAIL: monyk@bellsouth.net
Description
The Mighty Male Chorus was organized in May, 1979 through the efforts of the late Mr. Grady Patillo. Mr. Patillo served as president for three years. The Male Chorus sings quartet and traditional gospel music with its musicians Michael Gordon and Ronald Stevens. Williams Byers, Lambert Reed, Wayne Thompson, and Carton Allen have served as the choirs Presidents over the years.
The Mighty Male Chorus has been featured across the state in several Men’s Concerts for the AME Church. Travelling yearly, to Moultrie Georgia to present and Annual Men’s Day Concert. The Choir was the lead choir for the East Atlanta Men’s Mass Choir which was a concert featuring Men’s Choir of the East District of the Atlanta North Georgia Conference.
The Mighty Male Chorus has a heart for men serving the Lord in song but also in service. The Male Chorus brings canned goods each fourth Sunday to stock our Food Pantry. The Male Chorus is known for showing up at the homes of members who are ill and experiencing bereavement in large numbers to pray and sing and encourage. What A Blessing!
The Mighty Male Chorus rehearses on Mondays at 7:30pm and ministers on the fourth Sundays at 11:00amThe Morning Praise Choir (formally known as The Young Adult Ministry ChoirYAM ) officially became Saint Philip’s All-Women’s Choir in 1998.
The Morning Praise Choir was originally purposed to provide a place “just for women to sing” at the 7:15 am worship services as the early morning choir. The choir continues to serve in that tradition singing at the earliest service on the fourth Sundays of each Month. The choir also sings during Women’s Week and All events catered towards Women at SPC.
The Morning Praise Choir is more than an avenue to minister in music. We are a sisterhood that fosters leadership, encouragement, love and support for one another. We have many fellowship opportunities where we really get to know each other as individuals. Many lifelong friendships have evolved from this gifted group of women and we love to praise our Heavenly Father in song.
The Morning Praise Choir has adopted several Women’s Shelters during the Christmas Season providing Business Suits, Personal Items and Bibles for Women dedicated to starting afresh.
The Morning Praise Choir rehearses on the Saturdays before the 3rd and 4th Sundays and the Monday before the 4th Sunday and ministers at the 8:00am Worship service.
The Sanctuary Choir
The Sanctuary Choir
DIRECTOR: L’Tanya Moore-Copeland
CONTACT: Phyllis Burrell
EMAIL: lc1978volleyball@gmail.com
Description
The Sanctuary Choir of Saint Philip African Methodist Episcopal Church was organized in August of 1976 by Pastor George Moore. The choir was originally named the “Voices of The Sanctuary” then The George Moore Ensemble and later became The Sanctuary Choir. The Choir is a spirited and talented group of Christians committed to spreading the gospel through Contemporary Music.
Mr. Bennie Wright was elected as the First president of the choir and he served faithfully for 3 1/2 years. Numerous faithful members have served as President including Marvin Sykes, Jonathan Jones, Luther Latten, Richard Yancey, Carolyn Benson, Paula Lynch, Gregory Brown, Yolanda Dubose, Gregory Neal and currently Phyliss Burrell.
The Sanctuary Choir is recognized as a leader in the Atlanta community and acclaimed as one of the finest in the AME Connection. In addition to its regular worship responsibilities, the Sanctuary Choir has participated in several citywide events uplifting the name of Jesus. In 1982, the Choir sang with the Mass City Choir at the Inaugural Ceremony for Mayor Andrew Young. The choir has also sung in events such as the National Days Inn of America Convention and the King Fest Celebration at the Martin Luther King Jr. Center for Nonviolent Social Change. The Choir has appeared with such artist as Ester Smith, Wando Nero Butler, Lecresia Campbell, V. Michael McKay, Keith Pringle, Kathy Taylor, Kurt Carr and on the stage as the choir in the stage production of Black Nativity. The choir has shared its ministry of music throughout the Southeast and in cities such as New York, Washington D.C., Saint Louis, Chicago, Kentucky and Florida. In 1991, The Sanctuary Choir recorded its first album “I’ll Tell The World” and also received national recognition.
On December 8th, 1990, The Sanctuary Choir presented its first concert in community outreach collaboration with The US Marines to give Toys to needy children toys during the Christmas Season. After accessing the needs of the Saint Philip Families, The concerts later renamed Joyful Noise for Toys became the officially name of the Popular Holiday Concert. The annual concert (now in its 28th Year), continues to help thousands of children with toys for their Christmas Time.
The Sanctuary Choir rehearses on Mondays at 7:00pm and ministers on Third Sundays.
The Holy Dance Ministry
The Holy Dance Ministry
DIRECTOR: Rev. Vicky Cherry
CONTACT: Rev. Vicky Cherry
EMAIL: vickycherryteach@gmail.com
Description
The Holy Dance Ministry (HDM) was the sacred and creative vision of young adult member, Mailia Stokes. After a year of petitioning and consultation with Pastor George Moore and Worship Arts Ministry Leader, L’Tanya Moore-Copeland, the Holy Dance Ministry was dedicated on October 29, 2000. The founding scripture was Psalm 149:3 “Let them praise His name in the dance” (KJV) and the first choreographed ministry was “More Than I Can Bear” by Kirk Franklin.
The founding members included:
Sumner Canty Bonni Johnson
Vicky Cherry Mailia Stokes
Monica Ellis Tonnica Walters
Iris Gray
Since its inception in 2000, the ministry has cultivated more than 150 liturgical dance ministers of different ages and stages of life across seven divisions.
HDM Divisions include:
- The Children’s Ministry (Divine Promise) supports grades K-5, typically ages 5-10.
- The Preteens Ministry (Divine Purpose) supports grades 6-8, typically ages 11-13.
- The Teens Ministry (D.R.O.P. – Divine Rivers of Praise) supports grades 9-12, typically ages 14-18.
- The College/Young Adult Ministry supports young adults ages 19-26.
- The Adult Ministry supports adults ages 27 and up and is segmented into divisions for Women and Men (D.A.V.I.D. – Divinely Anointed Vessels in Dance). In consultation with the Movement Leader, adult dance ministers of any age can elect to self-promote to Divine Worship as their lifestyle and mobility changes.
- Divine Worship (i.e. limited movement) supports all ages of differently-abled dance ministers.
Mission/Purpose
Though the ministry’s activities and tasks may change to meet the vision, season and need of this local church and the church universal, the mission and purpose of the Holy Dance Ministry is to:
1. Lead the congregation in praise and worship to God and to foster its participation in dance as a form of worship
2. To proclaim through dance the Gospel of Jesus Christ that unbelievers in the congregation and community may seek to know Him
3. To communicate spiritual and biblical truths through dance that the people of God may be enriched
4. To nurture dance ministers spiritually
5. To develop and perpetuate the sacred art of dance
6. To support the work of the local and connectional church in fulfilling its mission and purpose
