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closeChoir celebrates 18 years of singing gospel
By Beth Musgrave bmusgrave@herald-leader.com
Jeremiah Muwanga and Tyrone Buster sang Sunday as the Anointed Central Kentucky Mass Choir in Lexington celebrated its 18th anniversary at its home church, the Now Faith Worship Center.
Mary Watson and Barbara Hill praised the Lord in song. On Sunday, November 16, 2008 in Lexington, Ky., the Anointed Central Kentucky Mass Choir celebrated its eighteenth anniversary at Now Faith Worship Center, the choir's home church. The Reverend Arlester Washington, founder of the choir, led the choir with directress Tammy Williams. Photo by Angela Baldridge
More than 18 years ago, the Rev. Arlester Washington returned to Kentucky after a 22-year hiatus in Chicago. For a state rich in music, it was missing a presence on the world gospel stage.
So Washington set out to create a true "mass" choir.
On Sunday, the Anointed Central Kentucky Mass Choir marked its 18th anniversary with a celebration concert at the Now Faith Worship Center, Washington's home church.
"We're here to celebrate 18 years," said Aaron Richmond, at the beginning of Sunday night's service. "It's not time to be cute or look cute. If you have to take off your shoes, do it for the Lord."
The Anointed Central Kentucky Mass Choir has already recorded one album with the Alliant Music Group out of Nashville. It is in the process of recording its second. All of the gospel music is written by members of the choir, including Richmond and Washington.
The group travels a lot — typically once a month to churches throughout the Midwest and the South. There aren't many places the group hasn't gone over the past 18 years.
What about Alaska?
"We're waiting for Sarah (Palin) to invite us," Washington said, laughing.
There are 28 members of the current choir. Many joined because they felt called by the Lord, they said.
Tammy Williams heard Washington talking about the choir on the radio while she was driving one day. She called, auditioned, and is now the director of the choir. The church has people from all faiths, Williams said.
Tonia Alexander has been with the choir from its inception. The alto has been singing since the fifth grade. This choir is different than others she has belonged to.
"It's the anointing of God," Alexander said of the difference. "Lives have been changed because of this choir."
Washington said the group is still looking for members. Most mass choirs have membership in the 100s. Kentucky is one of the smallest mass choirs in the country.
"My goal is to put Kentucky on the map internationally," he said.
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