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~ Celebrating 18 Years of Ministry ~
Baylor University
Waco, Texas
History
Heavenly Voices Gospel Choir was born through one student's determination to be an
instrument of God through singing praises. Tonja Frazier-Carpenter auditioned for the
Baylor Religious Hour Choir but was told that she needed to brush up on her musical skills
and to try again next year. Knowing that God would make a way where there seemed to be none,
Tonja asked God for some guidance and spoke with several people about starting a gospel
choir on Baylor's campus.
One key person she talked to was the director of the Baptist Student Union,
George Loutherback. He informed her that she had his full support and had been
praying for a representation of gospel music on Baylor's campus. This historic
meeting eventually led to the formation of the Baylor University Heavenly Voices
Gospel Choir. On October 18, 1988, Heavenly Voices held their first rehearsal
comprised of 15 students anxious to use their talents to glorify our Heavenly Father.
Thankfully, the first year could not have been anything but a work of God, and under the
direction of Reverend George Harrison, pastor of First Baptist Church N.B.C., the faithful
members of Heavenly Voices began their ministry.
In 1990, Reverend Monty Francis and the Pleasant Olive Missionary Baptist Church
allowed Heavenly Voices to come and minister in their morning worship service once a month
and finally in the fall of 1993, Heavenly Voices was chartered at Baylor University.
The following year, Heavenly Voices began holding a weekly rehearsal in Miller Chapel
of the Tidwell Bible Building and continue to do so currently.
Ultimately, Heavenly Voices is the product of one determined young lady's prayer
and desire to serve God. The choir has grown immeasurably over the past fourteen years,
however the most important growth has occurred in the lives and hearts of its members.
God has allowed this choir to be an instrument of healing and deliverance, and a map to
emotional stability and support for its members and those to whom Heavenly Voices ministers.
Heavenly Voices is a living testimony to the power of God, and we seek the prayers of the
righteous as we continue our ministry.
Past Directors
Past directors of Heavenly Voices Gospel Choir include Mark Shephard, Doug Claybrook,
Sevela Walker, Ronald English, Melody Wilson, Michael McFrazier, Shannon Dixon,
Tammy Wilkerson, Cedric McDonald, Stephen Saunders, Daniel Fredericks, William
Adamson, Malenna Saunders, Theresa Shanks, Ronald Chance, Tori Strong, Charlie
Young, and Min. Brandon Hubbard, Sadiki Gordon, Min. Tyrone D. Mann, Sean Padilla, LaTika Young, and Min. Joshua Porter.
Past Musicians
Past Musicians for Heavenly Voices Gospel Choir include Mark Shephard, Reverend
George Harrison, Doug Claybrook, Desmond Slaughter, Ronald McLennan, Brother Issac,
Tanunya Roberts, Christi Canady, Jennifer Jackson, Tammy Wilkerson (pianist),
Ronald English (organist), Daniel Fredericks (bass), DeLana Davis (bass), Leon Anderson,
Jr. (drums), Gloria Alexander, Stephen Saunders (pianist/drummer),
William Adamson (pianist/organist), Colin Sanford (drums), Chris Haynes (pianist),
Richard Chance (pianist), Sean Byrd (bass), Justin Cheatham (drums),
Min. Martin Trammel (drums, keyboard, piano), and Min. Brandon Hubbard (piano, organ), Sadiki Gordon (piano, keyboard), Min. Tyrone D. Mann (piano), and Sean Padilla (lead/bass guitar).
Membership
Membership is simple! Members must simply be willing to minister, through song,
for and to God. Formal auditions are not required. HV only requires that members
be Baylor Students and maintain a 2.5 GPA. The official bylaws of the choir are in
the constitution.
The Choir meets every Monday at 7 PM in Miller Chapel. Be ready to have a Blessed time!
Gospel Fest 2006
Every year, the choir holds its annual Gospel Fest. This event consists of day seminars,
lunch, mass choir rehearsal, and a concert. Gospel choirs from all over Texas and
surrounding areas are invited to take part in this event. Heavenly Voices works for and
anticipates this celebration of the Lord all year. Gospel Fest is always the second Saturday
in February and is usually held in Waco Hall on the Baylor University Campus.
President - Sofie Ipaye
Secretary - Ashley Richard
Treasurer - Saundra Lawson
Chaplain - Min. Jeremy Byers
Current Musicians - 2005-2006
Min. William Adamson - piano, keyboard, organ
Min. Jeremy Byers - bass guitar, drums
Joshua Garraway - drums
Min. Jerrid Fletcher - piano, keyboard, drums
Reggie Reagan - drums
Chris Johnson - keyboard
Teddie D. Williamson III - keyboard, piano
Current Directors - 2005-2006
Min. Marshall "Trey" Baldwin
Min. Jerrid Fletcher
Min. Joshua Porter
Min. William Adamson
Reggie Reagan
Teddie D. Williamson III
"Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.
Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy holy spirit from me.
Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit.
Then will I teach transgressors thy ways; and sinners shall be converted unto thee.
Deliver me from bloodguiltiness, O God, thou God of my salvation: and my tongue shall
sing aloud of thy righteousness. O Lord, open thou my lips; and my mouth shall show
forth thy praise."
~
Psalms 51:10-15
Heavenly Voices Gospel Choir
"This is more than just another choir; this is a MINISTRY"
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