Voices of Damascus

Psalm 96:9 & Psalm 150:1

“Worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness.” “Praise ye the Lord in His sanctuary.”

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).

Damascus had several choirs during the period between 1962 and 2006 – The Senior Choir, The Junior Choir (under the direction of Sis. Barbara Willis), The Sanctuary Choir, The Cherubims, The Praying Spirits, The Ensemble Choir, The Male Chorus (under the direction of Pastor William Bacon), and The Mass Choir (under the direction of Sis. Joan Bacon). 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, 2005The Senior Choir became the longest active singing group in Damascus’ history. The Senior Choir ceased activity after celebrating its 44th anniversary in 2006. 

Voices of Damascus

Damascus was blessed with the arrival of Sister Evelyne Newsome, who became Minister of Music

Her sister, Noreen Charles, became the Damascus musician. The Newsomes donated a set of drums. The first percussionist was Curtis Thomas who played until he left for college in 2008. Lester Williams joined the music staff in August of 2008. Sister Betty Lockhart joined the music staff in January of 2008 as bass guitarist. She resigned later in 2008. Curtis Thomas came back to us in 2009 and left again in 2011. 

Psalm 100:1-2

A Psalm for giving thanks. Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth! Serve the Lord with gladness! Come into his presence with singing!

The Mass Choir changed its name to The Voices of Damascus in 2006.

Damascus is looking forward to the growth of The Voices of Damascus and the revival of the Male Chorus In 2011 , the Voices of Damascus added three (3) new members to its roster. In 2014, one (1) member was added. In May of 2011, David Green was added to the music staff as percussionist. In June of 2012, Curtis Thomas returned as percussionist and left shortly afterward.

A sound booth was constructed in 1999. For years Bro. William Elder manned the booth providing cassette tapes of the worship services. In 2005, Bro. Richard Newsome joined Bro. Elder in the Audio Ministry and a tape duplicator was purchased. The Audio Ministry began providing rehearsal tapes. The staff began making sound checks. In 2012, the Audio Ministry purchased a CD duplicator, and CD’s replaced cassette tapes.

In October of 2012, Sis. Charles suffered a stroke and could no longer play the piano. Sis. Babette Harrell stepped in and played for the Voices. During the period of October, 2012 through August 18, 2013, Sis. Harrell stepped in whenever needed. Sis. Joan Bacon also stepped in to help when needed. They were truly God-sent. During that period, the Voices had two (2) other pianists, Bro Edward Grinage and Bro. Daves Sweeney. Sis Eva Montgomery began on August 18, 2013, and played for the Voices for one (1) year. At that time Sis. Joan Bacon came back home to play for the Voices. Bro David Green was rehired as percussionist in January, 2014. Bass guitarist, Kurtis Jennings, Sr. and percussionist, Richard T. Newsome joined the music staff in 2017. Ashley Zaka joined the Voices in 2017 and was voted the assistant to the vice president. In 2018 Denisha Jordan joined the Voices. In 2019 Richard Newsome was named percussionist for the church. During 2023, Reverend Vance R. Garrett join the Voices of Damascus.

Voices of Damascus

In March of 2020 the church was closed to in-person church services because of the covid 19 virus.

Church services were on Zoom. Sis Babbett was in charge of the music, and the Voices did not sing for two years. On Easter Sunday morning, 2022 the doors were opened once again for in-person service. The Voices are blessed to still be singing for the Lord.

Psalm 150:6-7

Let every thing that hath breath praise the LORD. Praise ye the LORD.

In March of 2020 the church was closed to in-person church services because of the covid 19 virus. Church services were on Zoom. Sis Babbett was in charge of the music, and the Voices did not sing for two years. On Easter Sunday morning, 2022 the doors were opened once again for in-person service. The Voices are blessed to still be singing for the Lord. Later in 2022, Elise Newsome joined The Voices of Damascus adding another strong alto. In early 2024, the sopranos welcomed sister Danielle Dumas-Cawthorne to sing praises.

In 2024, our beloved Minister of Music, Evelyne Newsome, was called home to glory. With grace and vision, she entrusted the ministry’s mantle to her faithful assistant, Sister Valeria Lily and accompanied by Dr. Babbett Reid- Harrell on the piano. Now, walking in the light of her legacy, Sister Elise Y. Newsome continues the song—echoing Evelyne’s heart in every note.

We thank Damascus for your prayers and support. We thank God for keeping us in His care. The Lord has been good to us. We are Blessed by the Best. We will continue to sing praises to Him. We will continue to lift up His name in song. We will continue to strive for true praise.

In 2024, our beloved Minister of Music, Evelyne Newsome, was called home to glory. With grace and vision, she entrusted the ministry’s mantle to her faithful assistant, Sister Valeria Lily and accompanied by Dr. Babbett Reid- Harrell on the piano. Now, walking in the light of her legacy, Sister Elise Y. Newsome continues the song—echoing Evelyne’s heart in every note.

We thank Damascus for your prayers and support. We thank God for keeping us in His care. The Lord has been good to us. We are Blessed by the Best. We will continue to sing praises to Him. We will continue to lift up His name in song. We will continue to strive for true praise.

Voices of Damascus

In Memoriam

Damascus remembers (partial listing)…

Isaiah 41:10

“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” –

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
Emma Byarse
Jacqueline Harrell
Mack Crosby
Josephus Harris
Ross Dawson
Eleanor Tufts
Pamela Zaka
Ronald Crenshaw
Richard Newsome (Sound Ministry)
Evelyne Y. Newsome