Shiloh Choir at Convent Baptist Church

I went to hear the senior choir of Shiloh Baptist church of Washington DC, at the Convent avenue Baptist Church last weekend. The church is in the heart of Harlem, on a 145th street and Convent Avenue.

It is a large stone building with beautiful stained glass windows, and a simple interior. The congregation was mostly older women and men, very few young people. The pastor was a woman, who felt the music and the spirit of the sacred place. The women wore big colorful hats, the men wore suits. The audience appreciated the music by standing up, clapping, praising God and often raising their hands to feel the power of the music.

The program started with We are Surrounded, followed by Psalm 150, the Majesty and Glory of Your Name, Sanctus and Glorious Everlasting. The second part was Tis' So sweet to trust in Jesus, Come, thou Fount of Every Blessing followed by Amazing Grace. After intermission we heard Old time religion, Since I met Jesus, At the Cross and Magnificant.

My favorite was the rendition of Amazing Grace by a young women, her voice was deep, strong and melodious. The organist was Evelyn Simpson-Curenton. After intermission the choir started swaying to the music, which made it so lyrical and rhythmic.