Minister of Music
Evelyne Newsome
Pianist
Sis. Joan Bacon
Bass Player
Kurtis Jennings Sr.
Percussionist
Richard T. Newsome
Director in Training
Valeria Lily
Director in Training
Carletta Harrell
Percussionist in Training
Maurice Harrell
President
Deacon William Elder
Music has always been part of Damascus’ rich history since its founding in July 1926. From congregational singing without instruments to the formation of it’s first choirs Damascus has praised the Lord in song. Sister Alberta Dumas was the first pianist. Then Sister Millie Flucker came from Unity Baptist Church and played devoting fourteen (14) years of faithful service. By 1951 when Damascus celebrated it’s 25 year anniversary the singing aggregations included the Comforters Singing Chorus with Mamie L Southers as President as well as a Junior and Senior Choir. Damascus choir membership fluctuated and dwindled over the years but by 1962 the Senior Choir was reorganized by Pastor Dallas Lauderdale. Sister Eleanor Tufts served as President from 1977 through 2006 (29 years). The Senior Choir became the longest active singing group in Damascus’ history. The Senior Choir ceased activity after celebrating its 44th anniversary in 2006.
Damascus’ various choirs ministered from 1962 thru 2006 as The Senior Choir, The Junior Choir (under the direction of Sis. Barbara Willis), The Sanctuary Choir, The Cherubim Children’s Choir, The Praying Spirits Junior Choir, The Ensemble Choir organized and directed by Pastor William C. Bacon, The Male Chorus under the direction of Pastor William Bacon, and The Damascus Mass Choir under the direction of Sis. Joan Bacon. Former musicians included Sis. Alberta Dumas, Sis. Millie Flucker, Sis. Renae Mills, and Sis. Joan Bacon. Sister Bacon became Minister of Music in 1982 and remained through December 2005 gracing Damascus with 23 years of faithful service.
In July 1994 Damascus moved to Ramona Blvd. The upright piano purchased in 1982 was donated and a grand piano was purchased. The sound system was upgraded with new speakers, more microphones and monitors and wiring to the lower auditorium. We were also blessed to be gifted with an organ. A sound booth was constructed in 1999. Deacon William Elder manned the booth with Terence Cleggett providing cassette tapes of the worship services. In 2005, Bro. Richard Newsome joined Deacon Elder in the Audio Ministry and a tape duplicator was purchased. The Audio Ministry began providing rehearsal tapes and the staff began making sound checks.
In 2005 Damascus was also blessed with the arrival of Sister Evelyne Newsome , who became Minister of Music along with her sister, Noreen Charles, who became the Damascus musician. The Newsome family donated a set of drums and the first percussionist was Curtis Thomas until 2008. Lester Williams joined the music staff as drummer in August of 2008. Sister Betty Lockhart was bass guitarist in January of 2008 and played until later in 2008. Curtis Thomas came back to us in 2009 and played until 2011.
Voices of Damascus
The Mass Choir was named The Voices of Damascus in 2006 and Sister Newsome works tirelessly to grow the music ministry. In 2011 the Voices of Damascus grew by three (3) new members. In 2014, one (1) member was added. In May 2011, David Green was added to the music staff as percussionist. In June of 2012, Curtis Thomas returned as percussionist and left shortly afterward. In 2012, the Audio Ministry purchased a CD duplicator, and CD’s replaced cassette tapes for worship services and rehearsals.
In October 2012, Sis. Charles suffered a stroke and could no longer play the piano. Sis. Babette Harrell, our First Lady, stepped in and played for the Voices. During the period of October, 2012 through August 2013, Sis. Harrell faithfully served whenever needed. Sis. Joan Bacon also willingly played when needed. They were truly God-sent. During that period, two (2) other pianists, Bro Edward Grinage and Bro. Dave Sweeney, briefly served. Sis Eva Montgomery began on August 18, 2013 and played for the Voices for one (1) year. At that time Sis. Bacon returned to play for the Voices full time. Bro David Green was rehired as percussionist in January 2014. We are proud to include Bass guitarist, Kurtis Jennings, Sr. and percussionist, Richard T. Newsome join the music staff in 2017. Ashley Zaka rejoined the Voices in 2017 and was voted the assistant to the vice president. In 2018 Denesha Jordan joined the Voices. Valeria Lilly is Assistant Choir Director. Beautiful burgundy and gold robes were purchased in 2018. Brother Le’Arthor Lilly assists in the audio ministry along with Kurtis Jennings, Jr. Also, the audio ministry thanks David Green and Tommy Patrick for assisting.
Echoes of Praise
Our children’s choir was renamed the Echoes of Praise in 2008 and they are directed now by Sister Babette Harrell. Sisters Andrea Harris and Carletta Harrell assist with the children. Purchasing new blue robes in 2018, the Echoes sing every 3rd Sunday giving the Voices a much appreciated break. As we celebrate this Annual Music Ministry Day we lift our hands in praise because the Lord has been good to us and He is greatly to be praised. We will continue to sing praises to Him, lifting up His name in song and striving for total praise.
In Memoriam
Damascus remembers (partial listing) Pastor William C. Bacon, Mary Banks, Nancy Walton, Anna Mae King, Wilma Sledge, Mary Alice Pangburn, Deacon Thomas Patrick, Lillian Keith, Alberta Dumas, Mammie L Southers, Millie Flucker, Pastor Dallas Lauderdale, Ailees Lauderdale, Addie B. Tufts, Ruby Tufts, Buddy Culpepper, Brother Matthews, Pearl Dorsey, Ruth Walton, Ruby Logan, Ted Crosby, Ruth Reed, James Trussell
In more recent memory the loss of Voices choir members since 2006 are …
Emma Byarse, Jacqueline Harrell, Mack Crosby, Josephus Harris, Ross Dawson, Eleanor Tufts, Pamela Zaka, and Richard Newsome (Sound Ministry)