The United Voices of Praise (UVOP) at Fenimore Street United Methodist Church in Brooklyn on Saturday hosted its 2nd Annual “Evening of Worship” in partial commemoration of Caribbean-American Heritage Month.
“After our first concert in June 2023, I was motivated to continue with the wishes of our former director Russell Cohen, who was deceased in 2017”, UVOP current Barbadian-born director Sophia Eversley told Caribbean Life after near-two-hour-long concert at the church at the corner of Rogers Avenue and Fenimore Street.
“Coming up with a theme was easy, as I wanted to show that the choir can sing different genres of music,” she added. “’An Evening of Worship’ was decided upon, and the music was chosen, with the help of an orchestra, which would take the worship to another level.”
Eversley said the selections were well received and that she was “again beaming with delight with their performance.
“They outdid themselves this year, with all their hard work and dedication, making my heart smile,” she said. “I am very grateful and do not take them for granted.”
The UVOP choir was complemented with solo renditions by Gerard Placide (“Holy”); Shani Boxill (“Uyingcwele – Holy”); the Rev. Melvin Boone, senior pastor of Vanderveer Park United Methodist Church in Brooklyn (“Breathe” and “Agnes Dei”); Abena Amory, daughter of celebrated Vincentian-born soprano Erlene Williams-King and the late Premier of Nevis Vance Amory (“Refiners Fire); and Brenda Byfield (“My Help”).
Byfield and Amory also offered special selections, to loud applause and standing ovation, respectively, with “All I Want Is You” (Byfield); and “You Made a Way” and “The Goodness of God” (Amory).
“God has been good to us,” said Mistress of Ceremonies Benita Lynn Malloy, UVOP vice president, after their performances.
After the orchestra played “Great Day”, Rev. Boone led UVOP with “Draw Me Close” and “Draw Me Nearer,” as the entire choir brought the house down with “Ride On King Jesus” and “Stand Up”.
Before sustained applause, Malloy said: “Thank you all for coming; hope your hearts were warmed.”
Eversley said UVOP started its journey in ministry to God on May 23, 2004.
Since that time, 19 years ago, she said the choir has “continued to sing the praises of our risen Lord each 4th Sunday right here at Fenimore United Methodist church.”
Eversley said UVOP occasionally sings with the church’s Chancel Choir and Gospel Chorus, and is part of the Mass Choir for special occasions, such as Christmas, Easter and Church Anniversary Worship Services.
“The United Voices of Praise choir would like to thank the members of the Fenimore Street United Methodist Church and the Pastor the Rev. Roger Jackson for their continued support,” she said. “This will not be the last of the choir’s ministry. With God’s help, we will continue to host many more concerts in the future.
“We would also like to thank our friends, who we now call family, who come year after year to blend their voices and help make us a success,” she added.
