NORTH MYRTLE BEACH, SC (WBTW) The words of praise and the notes of worship ring out from one of the final rehearsals for the First Baptist Church Choir.
The group is set to take the big stage this weekend when they perform the musical compilation “God With Us” at the Alabama Theatre.
The group is made up of members from the First Baptist Church as well as other congregations across the Grand Strand.
“We all just blend we’re here for the same purpose to praise the Lord,” choir member Shirley Lockamy said.
She is one of over one hundred members of the ensemble to go with an orchestra this weekend. Saturday night they will perform at the First Baptist Church before taking the Alabama Theatre stage Sunday evening. Both performances are free to the public. The doors open at 6 p.m. with the show starting at 7 p.m.
“I just hope the spirit of the Lord hovers over us and takes all away all of our nervousness and stage fright,” Lockamy said. “I think once that music starts we are going to be totally engrossed in it.”
“Music is the universal language,” choir member David Carter said.
He and his wife have been members of the group since they joined the congregation about 12 years ago.
“No matter what people’s lot in life is when they hear God’s word through music it brightens their spirits it brightens their soul,” Carter said.
He and Shirley both credit the enthusiasm and passion of Music Director Johnny Andrews for helping them create their wonderful sound. One they will be putting on one of the biggest stages on the Grand Strand.
“Music crosses all boundaries, these words are so powerful,” Lockamy said.
