Calvary Gospel Chorus to celebrate 75th anniversary

The chorus was formed in 1949 and continues to thrive today.

For the MVI

The Calvary Gospel Chorus of Mt. Calvary Baptist Church, 230 Reed Ave., Monessen, will celebrate its 75th diamond jubilee anniversary Sunday with a special service of praise and worship.

The celebration will begin at 3 p.m. Sunday with a memorial service and a special video presentation highlighting their 75 faithful years of service and dedication to the work of the Lord.

A celebratory dinner will follow in the church fellowship hall. The public is welcome.

The theme for the day is “Prayer is the Key, and Faith unlocks the Door.”

Calvary Gospel Chorus was organized in 1949 by the late Pinkie Parker, wife of the late Rev William Parker, a former pastor of the church.

The late Deacon George Robinson was the director and membership was 22 female and male voices whose powerful and harmonious voices could be heard not only at Sunday worship service but every Sunday morning on radio station WESA.

The chorus remains very well known throughout the Mon Valley and western Pennsylvania.

Mother Hazel Rone is the only surviving charter member emeritus.

Current members and their years of service are Selma Arnold, 54 years; Jo Ann Rone, music director, 46 years; Alyce Aldrich, 40 years; Minister Catherine Barrett, 26 years; emeritus mother Nina Russell, 16 years; first lady Annette Jackson, 15 years; Pastor Karl Jackson, 15 years; Willie Mae Floyd, 10 years; and Deacon Brenda Adams, one year.

Elder Jack Howell of Monessen and Allegheny Center Alliance Church, Pittsburgh, will be the worship leader.

The service will include musical ministry from Men of Friendship, Friendship Baptist Church Washington, Pa., Antioch Baptist Church Choir of Belle Vernon, Bethlehem Baptist Church Choir of McKeespor, and Morning Star Baptist Church Men’s Choir, Clairton.

Bishop Karl Jackson is Pastor.