Concert celebrates Gospel pioneer

An interfaith group of Muslims, Jews and Christians - in an inspiring display of spiritual inclusiveness - together present a concert celebrating the life and music of Gospel pioneer Charles Albert Tindley at Congregation Kol Ami to honor Martin Luther King, Jr. on Sunday, Jan. 14, 2007, at 4 p.m.

The event is part of Westchester’s Interfaith Music Series, sponsored by Congregation Kol Ami, Memorial United Methodist Church, the Center for Jewish-Christian-Muslim Understanding and the American Muslim Women’s Association. This interfaith group is composed of Muslims, Christians and Jews in Westchester County who have come together to share in each other’s cultural traditions and learn about each other’s religious practices in order to strengthen our community.

Considered one of the most significant forces in gospel music, Rev. Tindley (1851-1933) composed hymns found in the songbooks of every Christian denomination. His more than 60 hymns include “Beams of Heaven,” “We’ll Understand It Better By and By,” “Leave It There” and “The Storm Is Passing Over.” One of his best-known songs, “I’ll Overcome Someday,” provided the basis for the anthem, “We Shall Overcome” often led by Dr. King during the civil rights struggle.

Performers at the concert will include Carolyn Disnew and Robin Wilson, professional singers from New York City; S.T. Kimbrough, Jr. and Carlton R. Young of the United Methodist Church’s Global Praise Program; choirs from Vandeveer Park UMC in Brooklyn, Trinity UMC and Mt. Hope AME Zion Church of White Plains; and the combined choirs of Memorial and Central Korean UMCs. A free-will offering will be collected for concert expenses.
Tindley was born a slave in 1851 near Berlin, Md. He became janitor of Tindley Temple United Methodist Church in
Philadelphia, and in 1906 was named as pastor of the church, which was named in his honor in 1927. He was a preacher, author, fighter for justice and freedom, poet, writer and a lover of education. He taught himself Greek and Hebrew through correspondence courses from Boston University and earned two doctor of divinity degrees.

“When African Americans dip into the well of his music, we pull out those pieces that speak most strongly to our experience; change and struggle as keys to service and deliverance,” says singer-composer Dr. Bernice Johnson Reagon, founder of the a cappella ensemble Sweet Honey in the Rock. “Like water in a dry land, his new songs gave musical energy to the 20th Century African American sacred experience.”

Congregation Kol Ami is located at 252 Soundview Avenue in White Plains. Directions are available at www.nykolami.org or by calling (914) 949-4717 ext. 103.