Washington, D. C.'s Historic Asbury United Methodist Church will culminate its 175th Anniversary with a special musical concert entitled: "Joyful Sounds: Celebrating the Rich History of Asbury United Methodist Church" on Sunday, October 16, 2011 at 4:00 p.m. This glorious program of sacred music is free and the church cordially invites the entire community to attend. Director of Music and Arts, Everett P. Williams, Jr. has been holding rehearsals with the combined choirs for several weeks and is admired immensely in the Washington, D. C. community for the level of artistry that he draws from his singers. Featured on the program wil be The Wesleyan Choir, The Higher Praise Gospel Ensemble under the direction of Stephen Key, The Male Chorus and the Combined Choirs. Music has always been an integral part of worship at Asbury. The esteemed composer and organist, the late Mark Fax served as one of the church's musicians. Among the featured selections will be excerpts from Mendelssohn's Elijah, Undine Smith Moore's "Striving After God" and Richard Smallwood's "Standing" among other works.
The program will also honor Grace Jean Robertson Bradford with the Lifetime Achievement Award. An alumna of Howard University with degrees in music, Bradford is respected for her rich musical contributions to the culture of the arts in the public schools and her church.
Asbury United Methodist Church is located at 926 Eleventh Street, NW.
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