*In a celebration of the music of Easter, Reel Urban News recently attended a performance by the Adult Choir of the Grant African Methodist Episcopal Church of Los Angeles. The choir performed music from “Handel’s Messiah” and “The Seven Last Words.”
“In the African American church these pieces have been done for over a hundred years,” explained choir director Byron J. Smith. “Even though these pieces were written by no African Americans they’re a very important part of the music ministry. They have been done at this church for the last 50 or 60 years.
“All these songs are based on Scripture. “The Hallelujah Chorus” is based on the Old Testament and Theodore Dubois’ “Seven Last Words of Christ” is the story of Christ and his crucifixion, done mostly during the Easter season,” said Smith. “The season where we recognize Christ giving His life. This piece has been done many times recognizing Christ on the cross.”
Speaking with Michael Reel of Reel Urban News, Smith provided context to the music and ecumenical perspective.
“The second piece we did tonight, the people are watching the crucifixion of Jesus, shouting at Him, “Crucify him, crucify him!’ It’s taken from the Scripture, “Father forgive them for they know not what they do.” (Luke 23-43 KJV.)
Since its founding in 1906 the Grant African Methodist Episcopal Church has remained a beacon of hope in the Watts community of Los Angeles. Music both traditional and contemporary is a mainstay in Grant’s efforts to strengthen its presence as a change agent for empowerment and redemption in Watts.
“This historic choir has been around for many years,” said Smith, who is celebrating 20 years as director of this choir. “The great Don Lee White had this choir over 40 years and the choir has been in this community keeping alive this music that is not done much in churches anymore. They’re keeping alive music accompanied by a pipe organ. This is one of the last pipe organs left in African American churches in the city.
“We like to have a diverse music ministry, we recognize this music is important to us. This church was built on this music.”
Though he realizes this style of transformational music is slipping away, Smith sounded optimistic as he expressed his wish for its future. “My hope is that as young people are coming up they will have an appreciation for this style of music. Unfortunately, the appreciation for this style of music is dying. Unfortunately, ministers do not appreciate this type of music. Luckily at Grant we have a minister who appreciates it.
“’The Hallelujah Chorus’ is praising and shouting with 16th notes. There are different ways to worship and different ways to praise. But as long as you worship and you praise, you will be alight.”
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