The Calvary Institutional Missionary Baptist Church will soon be filled with praises, hallelujahs and applause as the Calvary Male Chorus delivers a soul-stirring concert in celebration of the choir’s 64th anniversary. The concert will be held on Sunday, October 15, 2017 at 4:00 p.m. at Calvary, located at 2600 Virginia Street in Gary, Indiana.
The entire Gary community and surrounding areas are invited to be blessed by the voices from this exceedingly powerful male legacy. The Calvary Male Chorus has been blessed with gifted vocalists, musicians and the Boosters over the years. For this event the Calvary Male Chorus has chosen “God is Able” as the theme.
They have also been a tremendous blessing to the church as moral and spiritual leaders, as well as with their charitable giving. The anniversary program leaders include its President Timothy Jones, Sr., Program Chairman Waymon T. Cruse and the church Pastor, Reverend John T. Talley, II.
Since 1953 when the Calvary Male Chorus was organized the Calvary Male Chorus has fellowshipped with several male choruses through the years. Their travels have taken them as far away as Mer Rouge, Louisiana and throughout the state of Michigan with stops in Battle Creek, Benton Harbor, Grand Rapids, and Detroit. Some of the little typical places they have graced with the vocals is the Westville Correctional Facility and the Masonic Temple. The Male Chorus was scheduled to appear with the late Mahalia Jackson in Detroit, Michigan, but God called her home before the date of the appearance.
The Calvary Male Chorus has been instrumental in the formation and encouragement of other male choruses through the years as well. They have prided themselves by their commitment to monthly worship and fellowship with several male choruses year after year under the leadership of President Timothy Jones, Sr.
The choir feels blessed to have the present pastor, Rev. John T. Talley, II an active participant with the group. The past and present participants over the years are: Georgia Wright-Orr, (24 years, deceased), Diane Terry Davis, Armecca Blakely-Orbourne, Vernita Harris, Alvester Bowman, Adrian Rushing, Clyde Tucker, Sean Cooley and their current musician Robert Mitchell and Directress TiaWanda Allen.
Present officers of the Male Chorus are President Timothy Jones, Sr., who has served for 52 of the 64 years; Vice President Deacon Virgil Cruse, Jr.; Program Chairman Waymon T. Cruse, and Financial Secretary Calvin D. Cruse, Sr.
Key to their success and longevity has been the vital role of the Male Chorus Boosters. Since the Boosters were organized in 1985 by the late Sister Jeffie Mayfield, their moral and financial support has been invaluable.
Booster’s activities included assisting the Male Chorus in raising funds toward church related endeavors. During the first year funds were raised to assist in the payment and purchase of the present piano. The following years, the Male Chorus Boosters have made handsome financial contributions to the Male Chorus on a monthly and yearly basis.
Likewise, the Calvary Male Chorus activities over the years have included pouring the sidewalks around the church, purchasing the first pulpit furniture, and paying for the present piano with the support of the Boosters and Mass Choir.
The doors open at 3:30 p.m. and for more information contact the church at 219-883-9157.
