Review: Male Voice Gospel Concert

[Written by Dale Butler]

The Vernon Temple A.M.E. Church at 6 Hawthorn Lane, Middle Road, Southampton held a first-class Male Voice Gospel Concert on Sunday, September 22, 2024 in honour of distinguished patrons John and Marilyn Smith, who will celebrate their 66th wedding anniversary on October 9. The church building was filled to capacity with an audience eager to enjoy this slowly disappearing Bermudian tradition. I loved the entire event from start to finish.

The journey was led by the Rev. Leon Jennings, who is also a natural comedian, and appeared toting a bagful of jokes that created a relaxed and engaging atmosphere among the audience, who sang the songs presented by the twelve guest artists.

John and Marilyn Smith and family were very happy to have spent an afternoon in the church. They believe: “for I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me” [Philippians 4:13]. Here are a few facts about them which I gleaned from the beautiful programme:

• John is a lifelong member of Vernon Temple A.M.E. Church and was baptized by Rev. Frank Lapsley and attended Sunday School and YPD.

• John, Tom Wainwright, and Edmund Sherlock used to pump the bellows of the pipe organ.

• In 1953, under Rev. T.W. Foster’s administration, he and the late Reginald Burrows were the first two, of many students from Vernon Temple A.M.E. Church, that attended Wilberforce University. In 1957 he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts Degree with a major in Psychology and a minor in Sociology.

• At the church level he was an all-round handyman, usher, choir member, and so much more. To this day he attends church regularly and visits the sick.

• He married Marilyn Darrell on October 9, 1958 at the Richard Allen A.M.E. Church. From this union they had two sons: Clay and Darren Smith.

• During Marilyn’s stewardship at Vernon Temple A.M.E. Church she was an usher, President of the Celestial Choir, Class Leader, Trustee, Steward, Historiographer and President of the lay organization; to name but a few of her many contributions. Their youngest son Clay paid a fine tribute in song to them: “He’ll be to you [Just what you let him be]” and “Bridge Over Troubled Water”. He was accompanied by the legendary organ/piano virtuoso Darryl Simons who is a master of dynamics.

This was my second church event in two days and my battery was certainly recharged. The A.M.E. Church developed confidence, articulation, leadership, and an appreciation for musical diversity. I’m delighted to have had the opportunity to be a recipient of their culture-based performances plan, which I witnessed during this occasion.

Brother Benjamin Williams opened the event with a prayer, followed by a variety of performances by the three-piece band of Conrad Roach, Owen Simons, and Shelton Bean.

• Vernon Temple Male Voice Choir sang “Made a Way” by Jonathon McReynolds and “Give Him Glory” by DeAndre Patterson. They enjoyed themselves and you could see and feel their passion. Amen!

• Cedric Thomas, son of the late Cedric ‘Grey Ghost’ Thomas who was the entertainers’ entertainer back in the day, sang “When I Fall in Love” and “I Bless the Day I Found You.” Touching; warmly appreciated and loved by the couple and audience who thankfully received his complimentary CD “Reflections of Life & Love.” Thank you! Hence, succeeding generations will be foraging for this excellent legacy about love in song.

• Men’s Day Combined Choir: 25 men brought it home with enthusiasm and harmony singing: “These are the Days of Elijah” by Robin Mark and “Ancient Words” with a soloist and also the Director of this non-denominational choir, Rev. Dennis Symonds, playing flute; adding a beautiful melodious affettuoso touch that was absolutely delightful. There is much promise with this group who should receive a million dollars from the Global Funds for development because they can create a meaningful first-class standard required by MEN in the community, and in less than 5 years we would see huge results. However, you have to capture the vision and also use part of it as an endowment towards its sustainability. “Watch out, Bermuda’s International Men’s Choir ,” is what’s needed!

• Malcolm Butterfield has an extensive history as a soloist and choir member with roots at St. Paul A.M.E.; under the leadership of the late Cecil Smith and Doris Corbin. He put the spotlight on: “It Is Well With My Soul” and “You Raise Me Up.” As a senior, he still retains a strong clear and impressionable voice. He brought back memories of when I was lucky to sing with him in the St. Paul A.M.E. Youth Choir. He went on to sing in their Senior Choir; known throughout the A.M.E. worldwide network.

• Alton Ricardson, with his charismatic smile, is always dressed to the nines and always receives a warm and exciting welcome the moment he appears on stage. He has a great voice and stage presence. He sang: “If I Can Help Somebody” and “Falling In Love With Jesus” accompanied by Darryl Simons. Another example of how Bermuda is too small for both of these seasoned legends!

• Wendell ‘Shine’ Hayward, with his geniality and passion always puts the icing on the cake, and the audience loved: “Jesus, You’re The Center of My Joy” and “Glorious.” This was a gold medal performance from music teacher and producer extraordinaire who is highly sought after. Just like that; with NO invitation, the audience took to their feet, sang and clapped.

• Eldon Raynor: He must be Jr. He scored two centuries with “Amazing Grace.” Eldon has a commanding stage presence like he studied under the greats. No fiddling or unsureness there. He has a warm and gentle voice that drew the audience in. Yep, they were on their feet.

• Darryl Simons: Has been born with natural skills which he has perfected over the years. He has published his music and was the foundation stone for a group called Rejoice. This is another reason why we need that fund. He played on his home turf and the audience made sure he knew it. It was like a homecoming and I hope it gave him the gas to get going again because he is a big miss. He performed “The Greatest Love of All” by Michael Masser; made popular by George Benson and Whitney Houston. I don’t think you can find a better version. And also, ‘God will work it out.’

• Anthony Butterfield: The minute he did “Hallelu, Hallelu, Hallelu, Hallelujah, Praise ye the Lord” and had each side standing/sitting and singing, he was on his way to a variety of songs that kept the energy and fervor of the audience high. A showman who kept them wanting even more. Yes, lots of short songs but they were what the audience loved.

• William Steed: a surprise guest used the full range of his voice all the way to falsetto and was refreshing and appreciated by the audience.

It was then left to the well-respected and highly polished Vernon Temple Band of Brothers: Conrad Roach, Owen Simons, and Shelton Bean to bring it home with a creative and soothing version of “Bridge Over Troubled Water.” These brothers could easily do Carnegie Hall. So do I need to say it again about that fund?

In closing, the current Vernon Temple Lay Organization President, Roseanne Smith, thanked all for their presence, the participants, including Rev. Dr. Leonard Santucci, and the MC of the evening, Rev. Leon Jennings and last but not least the Lay members committee.

Rev. Dr. Leonard D.M. Santucci closed the evening by congratulating and thanking the couple, the participants, the committee, and the audience. He acknowledged the presence of Minister Lt. Col. the Hon. David Burch, OBE [Mil], ED, JP, MP, and the Bermuda Conference Lay President, W. Anthoni Lightbourne, who also sang with the non-denominational Men’s Choir. You could tell by the smile on his face, as pastor, that he was extremely pleased with the outstanding and most memorable afternoon that everyone had enjoyed. It had all been said and done; I salute the church family.

- Dale Butler is the Professor of Bermuda Music. He is a member of St. Paul A.M.E. Church and readily acknowledges the impact the church had on his religious, social, academic, music, political and history development which came free and was critical to his growth and career. Influenced by Mr. Ira Philip [dec.]; Mrs. Eloise Furbert, Mrs. June Masters Augustus [dec.] and Mrs. Nellie Musson [dec.] and Mrs. Cecille Snaith-Simmons; to name but a few, he also pays homage to numerous Sunday schoolteachers and his family who played crucial roles in his life.

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Category: All, Entertainment, Music