The Detroit Mass Choir - African American Gospel Song "The Storm Is Passing Over" (Part I - video, information, & lyrics)

 Marcel West, Feb. 16, 2009

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Edited by Azizi Powell

This is Part I of a two part pancocojams series that showcases a 2009 YouTube video of the Detroit Mass Choir's  gospelized* rendition of the 1905 hymn "The Storm Is Passing Over" by African American composer Rev. Dr. Charles Albert Tindley (July 7, 1851 – July 26, 1933).

This post presents information about Charles Albert Tindley is included in this post along with the original lyrics for "The Storm Is Passing Over" .

Donald Vail's contemporary lyrics for "The Storm Is Passing Over" are included in this post The Detroit Mass Choir uses Donald Vail's 1976 gospelized arrangement of that Charles Albert Tindley's 1905 hymn.

Click https://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2022/01/detroit-mass-choir-storm-is-passing.html for Part II of this pancocojams series. presents selected comments from this video's discussion thread. I'm particularly interested in comments about the song, the choir compared to contemporary church praise groups". I'm also interested in comments about the choir director and other musicians/singers, and the commenters' use of African American Vernacular English. 

The content of this post is presented for religious, cultural, and aesthetic purposes.

All copyrights remain with their owners.

Thanks to Dr. Charles Albert Tinley for composing numerous hymns including "The Storm Is Passing Over". Thanks also to Donald Vails for his 1976 arrangement of the hymn "The Storm Is Passing Over". Thanks also to all those who are quoted in this post. Thanks to the Detroit Mass Choir and to all those who were associated with that video. Also, thanks to the publisher of this video on YouTube.
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This is a complete reprint of a 2022 pancocojams post. That post and Part II of that pancocojams series are still found on this blog. As of July 15, 2026, Part I has no comments and Part I has one comment.
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* "Gospelized hymn" is a term I coined for hymns that are performed in a (usually) African American Gospel style.

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PANCOCOJAMS EDITOR'S NOTE
The choir in this embeded video was under the direction of Jimmy Dowell from St. James Missionary Baptist Church, Detroit, Michigan. The singers and musicians for this "mass choir" were from choirs belonging various Detroit Michigan Baptist churches. This is probably part of a concert and not at a Sunday morning church service.  

Jimmy Dowell passed in December 2004. A commenter in this video's discussion thread wrote that this video was a "throw back to 1988". Another commenter wrote that ithis singing was "from the 1980s."

The hair styles and clothing styles lend evidence to this video being from the late 1980s or early 1990s. Note for example that at least one of the male singers has dread locks, but the women members in this mass choir don't wear their hair in any natural hair styles (including long extension braids/weaves)

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INFORMATION ABOUT CHARLES ALBERT TINDLEY
From https://anglicancompass.com/the-story-of-our-hymns-the-storm-is-passing-over/ Every Hymn Has a Story:  The Story of Our Hymns: The Storm Is Passing Over
By Keisha Valentina|August 3rd, 2020
"Charles Albert Tindley was born in Berlin, Maryland, on July 7, 1851, to Charles and Hester Tindley. His father was enslaved, and his mother free. Hester died when Charles was very young and he was taken in by his aunt in order to keep his freedom. He worked as a hired hand wherever his father could place him to help the family. He received no formal schooling, but had such an interest in learning he taught himself to read by gathering scraps of newspaper he found alongside the road or in trash bins.

One Sunday he snuck into a nearby church to hear the preaching. When the minister invited all the children to sit up front, he bravely took his place among them despite the shock and discouragement of white parishioners. He was so compelled by the preaching and singing that he began to study even more.

When Charles was seventeen he married Daisy Henry. They had eight children, some of whom would later assist him with the publication of his hymns. In 1875 he and Daisy moved to Philadelphia where Charles’ continued love of learning and for the church led him to take correspondence courses toward becoming a Methodist minister. He began attending school at night and served as a janitor for the East Bainbridge Street Church where he and his wife were also faithful parishioners.

He was a hard worker and passionate about his studies asking friends to tutor him on various subjects. He studied Hebrew and Greek through a local correspondence course with high academic scores despite no college degree. He later said, “I made a rule to learn at least one new thing — a thing I did not know the day before — each day.” In taking his final exams to qualify for ordination, he was among the highest scores.

His first parish was in Cape May, New Jersey where he and his family arrived in the middle of a blizzard. They moved into their house with only a bit of bread to share between them for the evening meal. As they were praying, a knock came at the door and there stood a welcoming committee from the church with much-needed provisions. Charles was inspired to write the hymn “God Will Provide For Me” after this experience.

Methodist ministers who are newly ordained often get moved every few years. Charles presided over several churches before eventually moving back to Philadelphia in 1904 to pastor the very church where he started as a janitor. His return to the congregation as pastor was met with mixed emotions. Yet the 150th-anniversary journal of the congregation states that

“All were pleasantly surprised, for as Tindley mounted the rostrum, wearing a Prince Albert Coat—then the garb of many African American Protestant preachers—he had the dignified bearing acquired during his previous appointments. They were further surprised when Tindley delivered a masterful, soul gripping sermon that brought loud Amens and praise God exclamations from his listeners.”

Tindley often introduced original hymns alongside his sermons. His influence and passion drew people of multiple races and denominations. The congregation of about 130 members grew rapidly under his leadership to more than ten thousand attendees, the largest congregation in his region.

Alongside his preaching duties, Tindley was a community leader unafraid to take on the issues of the day. He led a protest against the silent film “Birth Of A Nation” which had caused racial unrest across the country. Tindley and other clergy marched through the city and were met with an angry white mob that violently attacked them. Charles knew that protest alone would not further his cause so he built good relationships with influential people among the white political and business hierarchy of Philadelphia. He raised money to help the needy, opening one of the city’s first soup kitchens giving away over 500 meals every evening allowing the homeless to get hot baths and clothes from the church basement. He and his parishioners also created a savings and loan to help African Americans buy their own homes.

The church continued to grow at such a rate that they outgrew their existing building and moved a few blocks away to a bigger sanctuary. His wife Daisy died the day they moved into the new church. He eventually remarried and the church continued to grow under his leadership until his death in 1933. The church was renamed Tindley Temple in his honor and is still active to this day.

He is buried in Philadelphia with a large memorial engraved with the words “Beams Of Heaven As I Go” from one of his most beloved hymns.

[...]

Often called the “Grandfather of black gospel music,” Tindley’s hymns focus on Christ’s saving promises amid life’s troubling storms. Two of his most well-known hymns are “We’ll Understand It Better By and By” and “Stand By Me.” His hymn “I’ll Overcome Someday” was the inspiration for the protest and Civil Rights anthem “We Shall Overcome.”"...

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ORIGINAL LYRICS FOR "THE STORM IS PASSING OVER"

1 Courage, my soul, and let us journey on,
Tho’ the night is dark it won’t be very long.
Thanks be to God, the morning light appears,
And the storm is passing over, Hallelujah!

Refrain:

Hallelujah! Hallelujah!
The storm is passing over,
Hallelujah!

2 Billows rolling high, and thunder shakes the ground,
Lightning's flash and tempest all around,
Jesus walks the sea and calms the angry waves,
And the storm is passing over, Hallelujah! [Refrain]

3 The stars have disappeared, and distant lights are dim,
My soul is filled with fears, the seas are breaking in.
I hear the Master cry, "Be not afraid, ’tis I,"
And the storm will soon be over, Hallelujah! [Refrain]

4 Soon we shall reach the distant shining shore,
Free from all the storms we’ll rest forevermore.
Safe within the veil, we’ll furl the riven sail,
And the storms will all be over, Hallelujah! [Refrain]

Source: Songs of Zion #58

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INFORMATION ABOUT "THE STORM IS PASSING OVER" INCLUDING INFORMATION ABOUT DONALD VAIL'S ARRANGEMENT OF THAT HYMN
From https://www.hymnologyarchive.com/storm-is-passing-over 
..."Origins. This hymn by Charles Albert Tindley (1851–1933) was first published in his collection Soul Echoes (1905). Like many classic hymns, including Tindley’s “We’ll understand it better by and by” or Horatio Spafford’s “It is well with my soul,” this text draws on the imagery of storm and sea, especially the biblical account of Jesus calming the sea in Matthew 8:23-27. The musical arrangement in the original printing was by one of Tindley’s close collaborators, Francis A. Clark, otherwise known at the time as Professor F.A. Clark. The fourth stanza appeals to a heavenly rest from all storms.

Adaptation. This hymn is known to modern worshipers in a very different form, an adaptation by Donald Vails for the Donald Vails Choraleers, published on his album In Deep Water (Savoy Records SL-14421, 1976 ). The song was also included on his album Yesterday, Today, and Forever (Sound of Gospel, 1985). For his arrangement, Vails only used the words of the first stanza and the refrain, and he rewrote the melody. This is the version of the hymn which is most often performed by choirs and appears in modern hymnals, such as the African American Heritage Hymnal (2001). "

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CONTEMPORARY LYRICS FOR THE DONALD VAILS ARRANGEMENT OF "THE STORM IS PASSING OVER"

Encourage my soul 
and let us jouney on.
For the night is dark,
and I am far from home.
Thanks be to God
The morning light appears.

The storm is passing over.
The storm is passing over.
The storm is passing over,
Hallelu….

Halelujah
Ha-le-lu-jah
The storm is passing over
Hallelu…
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The words "O courage my soul" or "Have courage my soul" are sometimes used instead of "Encourage my soul". 

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This concludes Part I of this two part pancocojams series.

Thanks for visiting pancocojams.

Visitor comments are welcome.

"Weeping May Endure For The Night But Joy Comes In The Morning": Christian Hymns And African American Gospel Songs

 

The Famous Ward Singers - WEEPING MAY ENDURE FOR A NIGHT

Joe Guarino, Jul 29, 2015
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AI Overview [retrieved March 11, 2026] 

The Famous Ward Singers first recorded "Weeping May Endure For A Night" in 1954. It was released on the Savoy label (78 rpm 4062) paired with "Treading The Wine Press Alone". The song was later included on the 1959 album I Feel the Holy Spirit.

Key Details:

Recording Date: 1954

Label: Savoy Records

Album Context: Later appeared on I Feel the Holy Spirit (1959)

Personnel: Often associated with the 1950s lineup featuring Clara Ward, Henrietta Waddy, and Marion Williams"

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Edited by Azizi Powell

This pancocojams post presents information about a late 19th century Christian hymn and an early 20th century Christian hymn with the lyrics "weeping may endure for the night" but joy comes in the morning". 

This post also showcases three YouTube examples of African American Gospel versions of  "Weeping May Endure For The Night".(also known as "Joy Comes In The Morning" or "Joy"). 

These showcased examples were recorded by The Famous Ward Singers (1954), Rev. James Cleveland & The Southern California Choir (1969) and The Mississippi Mass Choir (1988). Perhaps because it's the most recent recording of that Gospel song compared to the other Gospel versions in this post, but, In my opinion, the recording by The Mississippi Mass Choir is by large margins more well known and much more favored by African American church folks than those other two Black Gospel recordings of "Weeping May Endure For A Night".

The content of this post is presented for religious, cultural, historical, and aesthetic purposes.

All copyrights remain with their owners.

Thanks to the composers/arrangers of these songs and thanks to all those who are featured in YouTube examples of this song. Thanks also to all those who are quoted in this pancocojams post and thanks to the publishers of theses videos on YouTube.  

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INFORMATION ABOUT THE LATE 19th CENTURY AND EARLY 20th CENTURY HYMNS WITH THE TITLE OR LYRICS  'WEEPING MAY ENDURE FOR THE NIGHT" OR "JOY COMES IN THE MORNING" 

AI Overview [retrieved March 11, 2026]

"Weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning" is a gospel refrain rooted in Psalm 30:5, with several musical variations. A well-known 19th-century hymn with this title was written by Mary M. Weinland (sometimes spelled Wienland) with music by Edmund S. Lorenz, published in 1887.

Original Hymn: Published in Gospel Hymns No. 5 (1887), it is often associated with the phrase "Joy Cometh in the Morning".

Other Versions: A different hymn with a similar title was written by Clarence M. Seamans.

Modern Context: The phrase is frequently used in modern gospel songs, including recordings by artists like the Cosmopolitan Church of Prayer Choir. "

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AI Overview [retrieved March 11, 2026]

"Weeping May Endure for a Night" (often titled "Joy Cometh in the Morning") is a gospel song with roots in the 19th-century, but it was prominently recorded by the Ward Singers in the early-to-mid 20th century. The lyrics are based on Psalm 30:5, with many versions attributed to 19th-century writer Mary M. Weinland (published 1887).

Key Details:

Composer/Lyricist: Often credited to Mary M. Weinland (words, c. 1887) and Edmund S. Lorenz (music). However, the phrase is a traditional spiritual/scriptural phrase heavily utilized in African American gospel, with notable, later, and separate compositions by Rev. Herbert Brewster.

Earliest Recording/Popularity: While 19th-century, the most famous gospel-style renditions were recorded in the 1940s and 50s, including by the Ward Singers.

Modern Recording: Dr. Charles G. Hayes & the Cosmopolitan Church of Prayer Choir recorded a well-known version in the 2000s (released 2009).
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*The Cosmopolitan Church of Prayer Choir" is also known as "Dr. Charles G. Hayes & The Cosmopolitan Church of Prayer Choir."

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WHAT DOES THE TERM "GOSPELIZED HYMN" MEAN?
Gospelized hymns are Christian hymns that are composed, arranged, and performed in a gospel style, particularly an African American Gospel style.

Although the titles of gospelized hymns may be the same or very similar to titles of early Christian hymns, the tune, tempo, and lyrics are usually quite different from the lyrics of those hymns.

Complicating this subject is the fact that there often are mutiple examples of Christian hymns and multiple examples of Gospel songs with the same or similar titles, but with different tunes, tempos, and lyrics.

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WHAT AFRICAN AMERICAN GOSPEL GROUP OR CHOIR WAS THE FIRST TO RECORD AN AFRICAN AMERICAN VERSION OF "WEEPING MAY ENDURE FOR THE NIGHT?
The Ward Singers were the first African American group to record an African American Gospel version of "Weeping May Endure For The Night". A YouTube example of The Ward Singers performing that song is given at the top of this pancocojams post.

Here's some information about The Ward Singers from https://malaco.com/artist/gospel/clara-ward-the-famous-ward-singers/ Clara Ward And The Famous Ward Singers
"In 1931, seven-year-old Clara Ward and her nine-year-old sister Willarene (better known as “Willa”) began performing with their mother, Gertrude, in Philadelphia. Gertrude first called the group “The Consecrated Gospel Singers,” then simply “The Ward Trio.” The three singers, with the two girls alternating as piano accompanists, initially appeared at churches in and around their hometown, but after creating a sensation at the National Baptist Convention in Chicago in 1943, they began touring widely. In 1949, having expanded the lineup to include singers Henrietta Waddy and Marion Williams, the group traveled to Los Angeles and cut their first records for the Miltone label. Curiously, none of the songs they recorded in Los Angeles were ever issued on Miltone, but many soon appeared on other labels, including Dolphin’s of Hollywood, Gotham and Savoy.

By 1950, the Ward Singers were the hottest female gospel group in the land. Two of their songs—Surely God Is Able and Move Up a Little Higher, both released by Gotham that year—became major gospel hits, said to have sold more than a million copies each. Gotham billed them as “The Famous Ward Singers (of Philadelphia)” and the name stuck, albeit without the name of the city. The group also recorded over the years as “Clara Ward and the Ward Singers.” Clara’s distinctive arrangement of the traditional hymn How I Got Over, recorded in 1950 for Gotham, was soon successfully covered by Mahalia Jackson for Apollo Records in New York. It became Jackson’s signature song.

By 1951, the group was formally recording for Savoy and continued doing so for the next 11 years. Other singles and albums also appeared during that period on such labels as Duke, Dot and Vanguard. Later recordings were issued on Columbia, Verve, Philips and Nashboro until Clara’s death in 1973 at age 48."...

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SHOWCASE VIDEO #2 - Weeping May Endure


Rev. James Cleveland and the Southern CA Choir -Apr 28, 2020 Provided to YouTube by Malaco Records

Weeping May Endure · James Cleveland And The Southern California Community Choir See About Me ℗ 1969 Savoy Records, Inc.

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SHOWCASE VIDEO #3 - Rev. James Moore - Joy

malacomg, Jun 9, 2014

Reverend James Moore - Joy [Mississippi Mass Choir]
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I believe that this is the version of "Weeping May Endure For The Night" that is (or was) most often sung in African American churches, particularly in the 1990s. The verses of that song consists of lyrics from the hymn "Amazing Grace".

Here's information about this rendition of that song:

AI Overview [Retrieved March 11, 2026]

"The Mississippi Mass Choir first recorded "Joy (Weeping May Endure for a Night)" during their debut live recording session at Thalia Mara Hall in Jackson, Mississippi, on October 29, 1988. This track was featured on their self-titled debut album, The Mississippi Mass Choir Live, released shortly after.

Key details regarding their early recordings:

Recording Date: October 29, 1988.

Debut Album: The Mississippi Mass Choir Live (1988).

Achievements: The debut album reached #1 on the Billboard gospel chart in early 1989.

The song, noted for its high-energy performance, was part of the choir’s initial, historic, and critically acclaimed live recording."
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Click https://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2017/01/seven-examples-of-gospel-song-weeping.html for the 2017 pancocojams post "Seven Examples Of The Gospel Song "Weeping May Endure For The Night But Joy Comes In The Morning" .That post also includes two lyric examples for this gospelized hymn. 

Here are the names of the singers who are showcased in that pancocojams post:

-Rev. James Cleveland and the Southern CA Choir
-Mississippi Mass Choir, featuring Reverend James Moore
-Soul Children (Chicago)

-a male chorus at an African American church

-Lolita Floyd Amos

-The Famous Ward Singers

-First Baptist Church of Glenarden (Maryland)

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Thanks for visiting pancocojams.

Visitor comments are welcome.

Examples Of "In Shady Green Pastures" (also known as "God Leads His Dear Children Along" Or "God Leads Us Along")

Albertina Walker - Topic, Sep 24, 2015

Best of Albertina Walker

℗ 1996 Zomba Recording LLC

Released on: 2004-05-25

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Edited by Azizi Powell

This pancocojams post presents lyrics for the 1903 Christian hymn ""In Shady Green Pastures" (also known as "God Leads His Dear Children Along" or "God Leads Us Along").

This post also showcases seven examples of this hymn. Two of these examples are performed as a hymn and five are what I call  "gospelized hymns". "Gospelized hymns" is my term for hymns that are performed in a Gospel style, particularly in a Black Gospel style.

The content of this post is presented for religious, socio-cultural, and aesthetic purposes.

All copyrights remain withtheir owners.

Thanks to G. A. Young for composing this song. Thanks to all those who are featured in this examples that are showcased in this post and thanks to the publishers of these examples on YouTube. Thanks also to all those who are quoted in this post.

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LYRICS -" IN SHADY GREEN PASTURES" (also known as "God Leads His Dear Children Along" or "God Leads Us Along")
 
(composer: G. A. Young (George Young), 1903)

1 In shady, green pastures, so rich and so sweet,

God leads His dear children along;

where the water’s cool flow bathes the weary one’s feet,

God leads His dear children along.

Refrain:

Some through the waters, some through the flood,

some through the fire, but all through the blood;

some through great sorrow, but God gives a song,

in the night season and all the day long.

2  Sometimes on the mount where the sun shines so bright,

God leads His dear children along;

sometimes in the valley, in darkest of night,

God leads His dear children along.

3 Though sorrows befall us and Satan oppose,

God leads His dear children along;

through grace we can conquer, defeat all our foes,

God leads His dear children along.

4 Away from the mire and away from the clay,

God leads His dear children along;

away up in glory, eternity’s day,

God leads His dear children along.

Online source -  https://hymnary.org/text/in_shady_green_pastures_so_rich_and_so

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ADDITIONAL YOUTUBE EXAMPLES

SHOWCASE #2 (Christian Hymn) -  Bill & Gloria Gaither - God Leads Us Along [Live] ft. Sue Dodge

 

Gaither Music TV, Dec 6, 2012

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SHOWCASE #3 - In Shady Green Pastures God Leads His Dear Children Along Some Though the Shadows

Mission Minded Teacher, Sep 26, 2020

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SHOWCASE #4: (African American Gospelized Hymn) - Rev. James Cleveland - "God Leads His Children"

Rev. James Cleveland and the Southern California Community Choir - Topic

Having Church ℗ 1990 Savoy Records, Inc.

Released on: 1990-04-27

Main  Artist: Rev. James Cleveland

Main  Artist: The Southern California Community Choir

Composer: Calvin B. Rhone:

Music  Publisher: Calvin Rhone Publishing
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Calvin B. Rhone is the arranger of this version of G.A. Young's song.

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SHOWCASE #5 (African American Gospelized Hymn) - God Leads His Children Along

Bishop G.E. Patterson - Topic, Nov 7, 2014

Provided to YouTube by Syntax Creative

Recorded Live In Memphis, TN Volume 2

℗ 2006 Podium Records

Released on: 2006-01-01

Main  Artist: Bishop G.E. Patterson

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SHOWCASE #6 (Jamaican Gospelized Hymn) - In Shady Green Pastures || The Echoes Of Faith Choir

PFMFamily, Feb 15, 2018
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Here's information about PFM from https://www.youtube.com/@PFMFamilyMusic

"Description

Welcome to PFMFamilyMusic. This channel is dedicated to serving you with videos of the various Choir & Music Ministry of the Power Of Faith Ministries International.

Visit Us

Lot 13, Portmore Town Centre, Portmore

St. Catherine , Jamaica W.I"
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Click https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7icQQiOWd8s&list=RD7icQQiOWd8s&start_radio=1 for a 2012 YouTube video of a rendition of this song by the same church.

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SHOWCASE #7- (Jamaican-American Gospelized Hymn) - 

FUTIM-NJ, Jan 18, 2010

Co-Pastor Evangelist P. Faulknor ministers in song before bringing the Word.
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"FUTIM" = First United Tabernacle International Ministries, Inc. (East Orange, NJ)

This church has a strong Jamaican influence through its founder, pastor/s and congregation.

Bishop Lloyd L. Faulknor, who founded this church in 1983 and was its Senior Pastor, was born in the parish of Manchester, Jamaica.

 https://www.futimnj.org/seniorpastor

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Thanks for visiting pancocojams.

Visitor comments are welcome.

Gospel Singer, Composer, & Pianist Richard Smallwood's Rendition Of His 1987 Composition "Center Of My Joy" And His Gospelized Renditions Of The Hymns "It Is Well" & "Come Ye Disconsolate"

Gaither Music TV, Nov 4, 2016
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The Gospel song "Center Of My Joy" is credited to Richard Smallwood with some lyrics written by Bill and Gloria Gaither. Click https://gaither.com/artists/gloria-gaither/ for information about White American Gospel singers Bill and Gloria Gaither.

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Click https://genius.com/Richard-smallwood-center-of-my-joy-lyrics for the lyrics to this song
which was composed in1987 

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Edited by Azizi Powell

This pancocojams post showcases a YouTube video of African American Gospel singer, pianist, composer, arranger, and choir director Richard Smallwood performing "Center Of My Joy", a song he composed along with Gospel singers Bill and Gloria Gaither

This post also showcases a 2008 YouTube video of African American Gospel singer, pianist, composer, arranger, and choir director Richard Smallwood playing the hymns "It is Well" and "Come Ye Disconsolate" and Richard Smallwood and others singing the hymn "It Is Well".

This post also presents some comments from these videos' discussion thread as well as information about Richard Smallwood who passed away on December 30, 2025.

I'm particularly focused on the audience's reaction to and the comments about this African American rendition of these African American gospelized hymns. By "African American gospelized hymns" I mean hymns that are performed in an African American gospel style.

The content of this post is presented for religious, socio-cultural, and aesthetic purposes.

All copyrights remain with their owners.

Thanks  to Richard Smallwood for his outstanding legacy. Thanks to those who composed these hymns and all those who are featured in these videos. Thanks also to all those who are quoted in this post and thanks to the publishers of these videos on YouTube.

Rest In Peace, Rev, Smallwood. 
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Click https://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2025/12/the-differences-between-black-american.html for the related pancocojams post entitled "The Differences Between Black American Audience Etiquette/Participation And Mainstream American Audience Etiquette/Particpation During Performances."

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SOME INFORMATION ABOUT RICHARD SMALLWOOD
From https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Richard_Smallwood_(musician)
"Richard Lee Smallwood (November 30, 1948 – December 30, 2025) was an American gospel artist who formed the Richard Smallwood Singers in 1977 in Washington, D.C.

Life and career

Richard Smallwood was born in Atlanta on November 20, 1948.[1] He graduated cum laude from Howard University with a dual B.A. degree in classical vocal performance and piano, in addition to graduate work in the field of ethnomusicology.[2] Smallwood was a member of the Celestials, the first gospel group at Howard University. The group was the first gospel act to appear at Switzerland's Montreux Jazz Festival. Smallwood was also a founding member of the university's first gospel choir.

Smallwood's recording career began in 1982 with the album The Richard Smallwood Singers. The album spent 87 weeks on Billboard's gospel chart. Its follow-up, Psalms, was nominated for a Grammy Award. Two years later his Textures album was also nominated. Textures included the song "Center Of My Joy" which was written by Smallwood with Bill and Gloria Gaither. Smallwood won his first Grammy Award, along with a Dove Award, for his production on the Quincy Jones and Mervyn Warren album Handel's Messiah: A Soulful Celebration.

Smallwood's music has been recorded by many artists including Destiny's Child, Yolanda Adams, and Karen Clark-Sheard. He accompanied opera singer Leontyne Price at a Christmas celebration at the White House during the Reagan administration. Smallwood, with his group Vision, recorded several successful projects for the Verity label. He finished his master's degree in divinity from Howard University in 2004 and was inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame in 2006.[1]"...

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SHOWCASE VIDEO #2 - Richard Smallwood - It Is Well/Come, Ye Disconsolate



PrazHymn83, Sep 30, 2008

Richard Smallwood ministers with a piano solo of the much-loved hymns "It Is Well" and "Come, Ye Disconsolate," which seques into a church-wide reprisal of "It Is Well."

This can be found on his HIT CD "Persuaded: Live In D.C."

The lady who is obviously quite touched by the piano solo is Richard's mother, the late Mabel R. Smallwood.

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SELECTED COMMENTS FROM THE DISCUSSION THREAD OF SHOWCASE VIDEO #1
Numbers are added for referencing purposes only

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mq6hprGOxpY&list=RDMq6hprGOxpY&start_radio=1

1.@benniebryant2950, 2017
"Dr. Smallwood is truly a gift from God.  I listen to this and Total Praise daily.  He was anointed when he wrote them.  Songs that will renew the spirit!

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2. @charlesTOllie, 2017
"Simply done with grace and dignity....so heartfelt and spiritually uplifting.  Mr. Smallwood is truly a gifted  singer

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3. @Boseakllc, 2024
"Who is  still listening in 2024? I have been humming this song all yesterday. Praise God. God bless you all"

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4.  @lindawyche6837, October 2025
"I'm still here in 2025. Singgggggggggg Richard and ALL the singers! "

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5. @WaterGirlH2o, December 31, 2025
"Mr. Richard Smallwood, may your soul rest in paradise. Your legacy will forever live in our hearts and souls.

💕 💞 🎉"

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SELECTED COMMENTS FROM THE DISCUSSION THREAD OF SHOWCASE VIDEO #2
(with particular attention to people's reactions to this song)

Numbers are added for referencing purposes only.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2oxawED6YT4&list=RD2oxawED6YT4&start_radio=1

1.@willboywonder, 2008
"Love this.  Amen."

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2. @knapier, 2009
"awesome, nuff said........"

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3. @PlatinumDonJuan, 2011
"The man played with his eyes closed!! Now that is letting the spirit just simply take over. He is amazing on he piano the way he can let hit minister to your soul. A true anointing!"

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4. @AmosPressley, 2011
"People who think that music is neutral and doesn't say anything need only look at the audience as the notes are being played. They know EXACTLY what is being said."

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5. @JordanFlyinJets, 2012
"In Memory of my Great Aunt....Mrs.Shirley Weadon (Braddock,Pa)

Much love and respect to Mr.Richard Smallwood....every time he plays the piano he tears it up!"

**
6. @MsArtistri, 2012
"God is good."

**
7. @bermygirl59, 2012
"Some of us are going through challenging times - seeking employment, issues with health and our families. However, as long as we trust in God and His word, even through our tears we can say, It is well!!"

****
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Visitor comments are welcome.

Five African American Gospelized Versions Of The Hymn "Walk In The Light" (Also Known As "Jesus, The Light Of the World" & "Hark, The Herald Angels Sing")

Charles Pope,  Apr 2, 2011 -snip- This video showcases a gathering of well known African American Gospel singers and musicians.

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Edited by Azizi Powell

This pancocojams post showcases five YouTube videos of African American choirs singing gospelized versions of the hymn "Jesus, The Light Of The World", also known as "Walk In The Light", & "Hark The Herald  Angels Sing".

Addendum- This post also showcases a YouTube video of an African American praise team singing "Jesus, The Light Of The World", also known as "Walk In The Light", & "Hark The Herald  Angels Sing".  

Information about this song is included in this post along with a representative version of its lyrics.

The content of this post is presented for religious, inspirational, cultural and aesthetic purposes.

All copyrights remain with their owners.

Thanks to Charles Wesley and George D. Elderkin for composing this hymn. Thanks to all those who are featured in these showcases videos and thanks to all those who are quoted in this post.
-snip-
*A gospelized hymn" is my term for a Christian hymn that is sung in any African American gospel style. 

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INFORMATION ABOUT THIS SONG

From https://hymnary.org/text/hark_the_herald_angels_sing_jesus_the
"Hark! the Herald Angels Sing

Charles Wesley, pub.1739

alt. by George Whitefield, pub.1758

alt. by Martin Madan, pub.1767

alt.

copyright status is Public Domain

Scripture: Luke 2:13-14

Mendelssohn [.xml]

Felix Mendelssohn, pub.1840

arr. by William H. Cummings, pub.1857

copyright status is Public Domain

[...]

Author (stanzas): Charles Wesley

Charles Wesley, M.A. was the great hymn-writer of the Wesley family, perhaps, taking quantity and quality into consideration, the great hymn-writer of all ages. Charles Wesley was the youngest son and 18th child of Samuel and Susanna Wesley, and was born at Epworth Rectory, Dec. 18, 1707. In 1716 he went to Westminster School, being provided with a home and board by his elder brother Samuel, then usher at the school, until 1721, when he was elected King's Scholar, and as such received his board and education free. In 1726 Charles Wesley was elected to a Westminster studentship at Christ Church, Oxford, where he took his degree in 1729, and became a college tutor. In the early part of the same year his religious impressions were much deepened, and he became one of the first band of "Oxford Methodists."

[...]

Author (refrain): George D. Elderkin

Almost nothing is known about George D. Elderkin (b. 1845; d. 1928). There was a George D. Elderkin Publishing Company in Chicago which published four collections of gospel hymns entitled The Finest of the Wheat. Book Three (1904) includes 259 songs, including music by both George D. and George W. Elderkin, “for prayer and evangelistic meetings, church and missionary services, Sunday schools and young people’s societies,” and was edited by Geo. D. Elderkin, C. C. McCabe, Wm. J. Kirkpatrick, H. L. Gilmour, G. W. Elderikn, and F. A. Hardon.” It was hardbound, and sold for 30 cents per copy, postpaid"...

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LYRICS - "JESUS, THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD"

From : https://hymnary.org/text/hark_the_herald_angels_sing_jesus_the

"Representative Text

1 Hark! the herald angels sing.
Jesus, the light of the world.
Glory to the newborn King,
Jesus, the light of the world.

Refrain:
We’ll walk in the light, beautiful light.
Come where the dewdrops of mercy shine bright.
Oh, shine all around us by day and by night.
Jesus, the light of the world.

2 Joyful, all you nations, rise.
Jesus, the light of the world.
Join the triumph of the skies.
Jesus, the light of the world. [Refrain]

3 Christ, by highest heav'n adored.
Jesus, the light of the world.
Christ, the everlasting Lord,
Jesus, the light of the world. [Refrain]

4 Hail the heav'n-born Prince of Peace.
Jesus, the light of the world.
Hail, the Sun of righteousness!
Jesus, the light of the world. [Refrain]

Source: One Lord, One Faith, One Baptism: an African American ecumenical hymnal #277"

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ADDITIONAL SHOWCASE VIDEOS
These showcase videos are presented in chronological order based on their publishing date on YouTube. Numbers are added for referencing purposes only.

SHOWCASE VIDEO #2 -"Walk In The Light"

Njoelprice, Oct 2, 2012

The Women of Praise choir of the First Baptist Church of Highland Park in Landover Maryland. 

Women's Day August 7, 2011.

First Baptist Church of Highland Park

Rev. Dr. Henry P. Davis III, Pastor

6801 Sheriff Road • Landover, MD 20785

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SHOWCASE VIDEO #3- "Walk In The Light" Mt Zion Nashville Sanctuary Choir Feat Royce Mosley & "Mama Val"

delusion1000, Dec 30, 2015

Some good, old fashioned, Sunday morning church the Sunday before Christmas at Mt. Zion Nashville [Tennessee].  The Sanctuary choir ministers and old church standard... "Walk In The Light" under the direction of General Overseer of Music & Worship Arts, Min. Royce Mosley

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SHOWCASE VIDEO #4 - "Jesus the Light of the World", Royal Priesthood

Alfred Street Baptist Church. Dec 7, 2016 Alexandria, VA, Pastor: Rev. Dr. Howard-John Wesley

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SHOWCASE VIDEO #5- The Georgia Mass Choir - Walk In The Light 

malacomg, November 16, 2017 [Georgia, USA]

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ADDENDUM - "Walk In The Light" sung by an African American Praise Team

"Walk in the light, beautiful light" - Berean Praise Team

Music & Worship Arts - Atlanta Berean Church [Atlanta, Georgia]

"Walk in the light, beautiful light,

come where the dewdrops of mercy shine bright. Shine all around us by day and by night, Jesus, the Light of the world."

Video by Shirlean 12/17/2022

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Seven Examples Of African American Gospelized Versions Of The 1906 Hymn "Hold to God's Unchanging Hand"

Kenton Rogers,  March 28, 2015

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Edited by Azizi Powell

This pancocojams post presents information about the Christian hymn "Hold To God's Unchanging Hand" also found as "Hold To His Hand".

This post also showcases seven YouTube examples of African American gospelized versions of that hymn.

The content of this post is presented for religious, cultural, and aesthetic purposes.

All copyrights remain with their owners.

Thanks to Jennie B. Wilson, the composer of the words for this hymn, and Franklin L. Eiland, the composer of the music for this hymn. Thanks to all those who are featured in these YouTube examples. Thanks also to all those who are quoted in these posts and thanks to the publishers of these examples on YouTube.
 
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LYRICS FOR THE HYMN "HOLD TO GOD'S UNCHANGING HAND"
From https://library.timelesstruths.org/music/Hold_to_Gods_Unchanging_Hand/

1. Time is filled with swift transition,
   Naught of earth unmoved can stand,
   Build your hopes on things eternal,
   Hold to God’s unchanging hand.
   • Refrain:
     Hold to God’s unchanging hand,
     Hold to God’s unchanging hand;
     Build your hopes on things eternal,
     Hold to God’s unchanging hand.
2. Trust in Him who will not leave you,
   Whatsoever years may bring,
   If by earthly friends forsaken
   Still more closely to Him cling.
3. Covet not this world’s vain riches
   That so rapidly decay,
   Seek to gain the heav’nly treasures,
   They will never pass away.
4. When your journey is completed,
   If to God you have been true,
   Fair and bright the home in glory
   Your enraptured soul will view.
   -snip-
   Click https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jennie_Bain_Wilson for more information about Jennie B. Wilson.

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PANCOCOJAMS EDITOR'S NOTE
"Gospelized hymns" are hymns that are performed in a gospel style, particularly hymns that are performed in an African American gospel style.

Notice that these all of these examples of "Hold To God's Unchanging Hand" are African American gospelized versions of that hymn, but they aren't sung exactly the same way.

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SHOWCASE YOUTUBE EXAMPLE #2: Hold On To His Hand - Dorothy Norwood & Albertina Walker

Kadeem Graves, July 14, 2012

This is from the 1994 album "Feel Like..." Guest Soloist: Albertina Walker

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SHOWCASE YOUTUBE EXAMPLE #3 : Chris Turner - Hold To God's Unchanging Hand

Humble Is Da Way, May 10, 2013 chris leading songs at the new golden heights coc anniversary celebration in ft lauderdale fl.

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SHOWCASE YOUTUBE EXAMPLE #4 - " Hold To God's Unchanging Hand"

Afred Street Baptist Church, June 27, 2014

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SHOWCASE YOUTUBE EXAMPLE #5: "Hold To God's Unchanging Hand" (Live!)! (Old Time Gospel)



Truegospelman, Nov. 17, 2016

Traditional gospel music.

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SHOWCASE YOUTUBE EXAMPLE #6: Chicago Mass Choir - Hold to God's Unchanging Hand

ChicagoMassChoirVEVO, May 1, 2018 Music video by Chicago Mass Choir performing Hold to God's Unchanging Hand. (C) 2018 New Haven Records

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SHOWCASE YOUTUBE EXAMPLE #7: HOLD TO GOD'S "UNCHANGING" HAND- Carlton Pearson, Live At Azusa

The Son Of Man, May 9, 2018

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Detroit Mass Choir - African American Gospel Song "The Storm Is Passing Over" (Part II- video & comments)

Marcel West, Feb. 16, 2009

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Edited by Azizi Powell

This is Part II of the pancocojams series that showcases a 2009 YouTube video of the Detroit Mass Choir's  gospelized* rendition of the 1905 hymn "The Storm Is Passing Over" by African American composer Rev. Dr. Charles Albert Tindley (July 7, 1851 – July 26, 1933).

Part II presents selected comments about this showcase video from this video's discussion thread. Many of the comments are about Jimmy Dowell, the director of this mass choir.

Click https://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2022/01/the-detroit-mass-choir-storm-is-passing.html for Part I of this pancocojams series entitled "The Detroit Mass Choir -"The Storm Is Passing Over" (video, information, & lyrics)."Part I showcases this video and presents information about Charles Albert Tindley is included in this post along with the original lyrics for "The Storm Is Passing Over" .

Donald Vail's contemporary lyrics for "The Storm Is Passing Over" are included in that post The Detroit Mass Choir uses Donald Vail's 1976 gospelized arrangement of that Charles Albert Tindley's 1905 hymn.

The content of this post is presented for religious, cultural, and aesthetic purposes.

In addition to the comments about this song, I'm particularly interested in the comments about the director, the musicians, and the members of the choir. I'm also particularly interested in the commenters' use of African American Vernacular English (AAVE).   

All copyrights remain with their owners.

Thanks to Dr. Charles Albert Tinley for composing numerous hymns including "The Storm Is Passing Over". Thanks also to Donald Vails for his 1976 arrangement of the hymn "The Storm Is Passing Over". Thanks also to all those who are quoted in this post. Thanks to the Detroit Mass Choir and to all those who were associated with that video. Also, thanks to the publisher of this video on YouTube.
-snip-
* "Gospelized hymn" is a term I coined for hymns that are performed in a (usually) African American Gospel style.

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PANCOCOJAMS EDITOR'S NOTE
The choir in this embeded video was under the direction of Jimmy Dowell from St. James Missionary Baptist Church, Detroit, Michigan. The singers and musicians for this "mass choir" were from choirs belonging various Detroit Michigan Baptist churches. This is probably part of a concert and not at a Sunday morning church service.  

Jimmy Dowell passed in December 2004. A commenter in this video's discussion thread wrote that this video was a "throw back to 1988". Another commenter wrote that ithis singing was "from the 1980s."

The hair styles and clothing styles lend evidence to this video being from the late 1980s or early 1990s. Note for example that at least one of the male singers has dread locks, but the women members in this mass choir don't wear their hair in any natural hair styles (including long extension braids/weaves).

Click https://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2020/08/excerpts-about-rev-charles-albert.html for the pancocojams post entitled "Online Excerpts About Rev. Charles Albert Tindley, Pastor, Social Activist, & Composer Who Is Known As "The Grandfather Of African American Gospel" American".

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SELECTED COMMENTS FROM THIS VIDEO'S DISCUSSION THREAD

Numbers are added for referencing purposes only. Brief explanations may be included after a few of these comments.

2009

1. sistersotrue28
"Good old Gospel, "

**
2. Reply
PossumGirl Jones, 2013
"So true 44mature, I truly understand. The young people music is like somewhere in a night club. I'm old school and I need songs to minister/speak to my soul/spirit; songs like I remember my Mom humming around the house."

**
3. BMWDRE10
"I miss CHOIRS.  So much of the current gospel music is centered around image, MONEY, fame and selfish singers who just want to be heard and become famous.  It's sad.  CHOIRS bring the noise.  They bring the Praise.  They bring the Power.  They bring the SOULS.  And that's what Gospel music should still be about.  Not fame"

**
4. ItsRon Allen
"I really love this song.  It was Jimmy Dowell who taught it to me when I was a teenager and sung in his Jimmy Dowell Singer's choir"
-snip-
The comment section of this pancocojams post contains an excerpt from a tribute for Jimmy Dowell which was written upon his passing in 2004. That tribute contains some information about tthat outstanding choir director/Gospel song writer. .

**
Reply
5. Marcel West
"yes it's in Detroit! at that time it was Greater Grace Temple, now it's Greater Emmanuel Institutional Church Of God In Christ.

Be Blessed."

**
6. Lacia Johnson
"The choir director is baddddd!!! The killed the song! Prais God!!!"
-snip-
The African American Vernacular English meaning of the word "bad" means "very good". The African American Vernacular English meaning of the word "Killed" means "to do something very well."

**
Reply
7. SANDRA FRANKS
"So True. Also ,  Choirs Use to sing ,  Not MACHINES to make you sound like more than they are. . back in the day choirs who had 30 To 50 VOICES, sounded like 100 voices ,,,LIVE. Now they have 30 voices with a sound man to make them sound like more voices. BE REAL,,, NOT PHONY.Stop pushing BUTTONS & Put the machine away. AND SING . Ain't to machines in HEAVEN. ."

**
8. KynnyKalashnikov
"I hate how most choirs water this down so much. This is how it was meant to be. So perfect."

****
2010

9. Amir Seven
"The Legendary Dr. Dorgan Needom & Jimmy Dowell! ST. Jame & Unity Baptist Church!"

**
10. Michael Mullen
"Yes!!!! Sing it!

-snip-
Sing it! is an African American exhortation/exclamation that means "You are singing very well, especially singing soulfully very well." "Sang it!" is another present tense form of this exhortation. 

**
11. James Jackson
"Look at Twinkie at 2:58-3:00"
-snip-
From https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Twinkie_Clark
"Elbernita "Twinkie" Clark (born November 15, 1954) is an American gospel singer, songwriter, composer, record producer, musician, and evangelist. Clark is best known as a member of the American gospel singing group the Clark Sisters....

Born to pioneering gospel musician and choral director Dr. Mattie Moss Clark and Pastor Elbert Clark in Detroit, Michigan, Clark began her tutelage in music under the direction of her mother, very early in life. From the age of thirteen, she began touring nationally with her mother, ministering and training choirs in three-part vocal harmony."..

**
12. Khamari Brooks
"i love this song cuz when i waz real young i use to sing this even when i didnt know what the song was talkin about! my chrch use to sing this in the early 80's!!! COME ON CHOIR!!!!!"

**
13. edinrussell
"Encourage my soul and let us journey on!!  Wow, I can't stop listening to this magnificent choir.  Praise the Lord!!!!"

****

2011

14. Christine
"I absolutely love this! I just wish all churches had amazing gospel choirs, but in denmark its mostly boring old songs from before year 1890."

**
15. McKenna Silvester
"Showed this song to my choir teacher and now we're singing it!!! You guys did amazing. I hope we can do even half as good as you guys did:) Very touching. I love this video! Best version of this song on youtube."

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2012

16. Evan Lattanzi
"the beginning where that lady says "all right now" is very effective :3"

**
17. ronnie thomas jr
"we need to hear music like its again and speaks to you inside yes jes hallelujah"

**
18. sistersotrue28
"Good old Gospel,"

**
Reply
19. PossumGirl Jones, 2013
"So true 44mature, I truly understand. The young people music is like somewhere in a night club. I'm old school and I need songs to minister/speak to my soul/spirit; songs like I remember my Mom humming around the house."

**
20. BMWDRE10
"I miss CHOIRS.  So much of the current gospel music is centered around image, MONEY, fame and selfish singers who just want to be heard and become famous.  It's sad.  CHOIRS bring the noise.  They bring the Praise.  They bring the Power.  They bring the SOULS.  And that's what Gospel music should still be about.  Not fame."

****
2013 

21. Thabiso Gumbi
"The storm is passing over.... THE STORM! :-) Love African American Choirs!!"

**
22. Maria Cross
"This is a masterpiece. The arranger and conductor deserves an award.I was transported to the tcenter.the whirlwind,the whirlpool of my continual storm.On the Via Dela Rosa and I heard my Jesus saying "peace,be still".Over and over again,as only he can say it.I thank God for the inspiration, gifts and talents he blessed all the persons involved in the production of this masterpiece. God bless the members of the Detroit Mass Choir."

**
23. James Williams
"The choral conductor for this great masterpiece, Mr. Dowell, reminds a lot of the late and great choral conductor by the name of Jester Hariston."
-snip-
Here's an excerpt from Jester Hariston's Wikipedia page https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jester_Hairston
"Jester Joseph Hairston (July 9, 1901 – January 18, 2000) was an American composer, songwriter, arranger, choral conductor, and actor. He was regarded as a leading expert on Negro Black spirituals and choral music.[1][2] His notable compositions include "Amen," a gospel-tinged theme from the film Lilies of the Field and a 1963 hit for The Impressions, and the Christmas song "Mary's Boy Child"....
-snip-
The term "African American Spirituals" is used instead of the retired term "Negro Spirituals". Also, the term "Negro Black Spirituals" is somewhat redundent and was never actually used.

**
24. Paula lockett-harris
"At 5:47, is that  Bishop James Curry Jr. and Dr. Iris Taylor of Alpha and Omega Church, Detroit MI.?"

**
25. Gerald Mcgaughy-Edwards
"THIS CHIOR IS BAD ,BUT THE DIRECTER IS THE BOMB DIGGADY!!!!!"
-snip-
In standard English the commenter is saying that the choir is really good but the commenter is really really good.

**
26. Val Jackson
"Wow! Did that take me down memory lane back to our church revivals, district councils, and conventions! Loved it!"

**
27. CHARLES LODGE
"Simple song but POWERFUL message."

**
28.  MrTheOneAndOnly83
"This hymn was written by the Rev Charles Albert Tindley, but this arrangement was by Rev Donald Vails"

** 
29. enmaxus
"Hes directing that choir."
-snip-
This comment means "He's doing an outstanding job of directing that choir". 

**
Reply
30. Sharon Byrd
"enmaxus. Ain't he though"

**
Reply
31. DeAnna Troupe Biz, 2021
"Yes he is!"

**
32. ShuculaArmstrong
"He betta  Go ahead and direct that choir!!! My Lord... The storm IS passing   Thanks for posting   Blessings to all"

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2014

33. Daughter of Zion (Celine)
"My God my God!! Beautiful! First time I heard it was sung by Montreal Jubilation Choir. Detroit killed it!"

**
34. Jametoria Burton
"This song, along many others sung in this style, represents a significant part of gospel music history within the African American culture.  The distinct sound displayed here is slowly getting lost in the mileau of contemporary gospel music.And I for one, wish to hear more of the the traditional gospel choir songs on popular gospel radio shows again without the "throwback" label attached it.  Positive endearment for the large  choir sound is evident in the wonderful reactions displayed on this youtube channel and others with similar interests."

** 
35. Raheem Wellington 
"This the bomb!! Really good"

** 
36. saucepanbach
"magnificent ..... spirit in action. thankyou"

**
37. Jodeen Blake
"Old time church. I love it"

** 
38. Karen Sterling
"There are many versions of this blessed hymn out there but DMC did it for me. None of the others compare. This is one of my go to hymns. Praise be to the God who reigns!"

**
39. Connie Pastel
"Love The Organ..Love the Choir"

**
40. Jerica Frye
"this is what you call real singing"

****

2015

41. Dolly Melton
"I miss  singing with  the choir  and not a better team than JD and  Darryl Houston just the best!!"
-snip-
Darryl Houston was the organist during this rendition of "The Storm Is Passing Over". Here's a summary statement from a video that showcases Darryl Houston's organ playing:
"Darryl Houston, used to play organ at St. James Baptist Church as backup to Rev. Nicks and permanantly after Nicks' death, he plays for the Queen of Soul, Miss Aretha Franklin." https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=REKHvvVJWhI&ab_channel=MontezMiller "THE GREATEST ORGANIST OF ALL TIME: DARRYL HOUSTON", Montez Miller, 2014

****

2016

42. Rodney Smith
"the director👍👍👍👍"

**
Reply
43. Kell Zilla Mae, 2017
"OH yes!!! and he is a keyboard player too. He is so gifted"

**
Reply
44. The Truth the whole truth, 2018
"Kell Zilla Mae He was he could sing too. He was a songwriter."

****

2017

45. Malik Portis
"throwback 1988"

**
46. victor wednesday
"hmmm....back when gospel choirs were actually Gospel Choirs!!"

** 
47. Zakia Hart
"Omg... sing it that old Gospel! Bring this back"

**
48. Ann Marie Montaque
"Yes Lord, fire up the Church"
-snip-
The Holy Spirit is often liken to heavenly fire. Hence the comment "fire up the Church" meaning help bring down the Holy Spirit. 

**
49. Sylvia Hines
"Who is this director he give me chills I can watch him till he gets tired Lawd this entire music ministry is blessing me Hallelujah"

**
50. J Lo
"WOW!! Giving me life!"

**
Reply
51. Anne Heaton, 2020
"Amen!"

** 
52. MakeupByLadyJae
"Omgoodness this reminds me of being back in Lansing and Muskegon Hts. with J. Dowell as my director. Thanks so much for sharing"
-snip-
Lansing and Muskegon Hts are cities in Michigan (USA). 

** 
53. Alice Faye Hawkins
"We must come up out of the World in Gospel singing and SANG like This Gospel Classic!"
-snip-
This commenter is saying that contemporary Gospel music is too "worldly" (i.e. It sounds too much like secular music).  "Sang" here means "to sing very well, especially to sing soulfully very well."

** 
54. Sabrina Doctor
"Childhood Memories.. Gospel Music for the Soul 👏🏽👏🏽"

**
55. Timothy Patterson
"I SUNG THIS SONG IN MY CHURCH CHOIR! THIS DIRECTOR IS OFF THE CHAIN 👏 THE STORM IS PASSING OVER!!!! AMEN AMEN AND AMEN 🙏🙏"
-snip-
"Off the chain" is an African American Vernacular English term for "very good".

**
56. JOSEPH BLAKE
"Wow.  I get goosebumps watching this choir and listening to this incomparable song.  Bless the choir director on this one.  It's his masterpiece."

**
Reply
57. The Truth the whole truth
"There’s more video of him. Key in St James adult choir."

**
58. lisa apramian
"when you have that many strong sections and excellent leadership, and God, this is it xoxox"
-snip-
"xoxox" is an American short hand way of saying "hugs and kisses" that people sometimes used at the end of a card or a letter.  

**
59. Ron Ball
"This video really captures the mood and the emotions that accompany this well presented classic!!! (Bravo!)"

**
60. T GENRETTE
"ALLELUIA!! GLORY TO GOD THE STORM IS PASSING OVER.  SING YALL💜💝"

**
61. Nathaniel Horne
"Sir, you better direct!!!!"

****

2018

62. Nikki Tobin
"This is my childhood memory ... my grandmother taking me church ... ai am 52 yrs old ... ai truly miss the vibe of the ole gospel music"
-snip-
"I truly miss the vibe of the ole gospel music" = "I truly miss the way the old gospel music made me feel."

**
63. "Wow! This director get Max ratings from me....his direction itself is a ministry!"

** 
64. Lewicinda Baker 
"THIS CHOIR IS SANGING"

** 
65. Anna Genus
"I love this song. I see Billy on the back roll. From Unity Baptist"
-snip-
The word "roll" is a typo for "row". This comment confirms that this mass choir is made up of choir members from several Detroit Baptist churches.

**
66. mollie barefield
"I like hearing old songs from the '80s"

** 
67. Lewicinda Baker
"DIRECT  MAN♨️♨️♨️♨️♨️♨️♨️🌌♨️🌌🌌🌌♨️♨️♨️♨️♨️♨️♨️♨️♨️RIP"

** 
68. Anne Slater
"I could listen, watch, sing this every day and it wouldn;t be quite enough."

** 
69. Linda Adams
"this director is truly blessed and gifted...i thoroughly enjoy this choir...i understand he passed in dec 2004...how can i get a copy of the homegoing service...."

** 
70.  Lewicinda Baker
"Thanks may God be with the choir and church for their lost of a dynamic  choir director "

**
71. Lewicinda Baker
"REST IN PEACE  MISTER DIRECTOR 💚💚💚💚💚💚💚💚🧚‍♀️🧚‍♀️🧚‍♀️🧚‍♀️🧚‍♀️🧚‍♀️🧚‍♀️🧚‍♀️🧚‍♀️🧚‍♀️🧚‍♀️🧚‍♀️🧚‍♀️🧚‍♀️🧚‍♀️🧚‍♀️💥💥💥💥💥💥💥💥💥💥💥"

** 
72. Patricia C Williams
"This is when Gospel singing was Gospel.This was recorded live at the Old GREATER GRACE TEMPLE 7 Mile & Shaffer where Bishop David Ellis was Pastor.We had some good times down there.I was not a member there, but I sure visited a whole lot."

**
Reply 
73. Tonya Jones, 2019
"Patricia C Williams my church and yes good times"

**
74. Lewicinda Baker
"Sang children Sang"

**
75. Queen Majesty
"Bring back the old time gospel.that moves the soul!!!!"

**
76. CINNAHMON STIX
"Yasssss Lord the storm is passing over thank you for grace"

** 
77. Alan Hudson
"My Lord now that's a choir!!...C'MON CHURCH!!!...let's bring the choir back..now that's the way u do it...that song should resonate thru u when they sing..I felt that thing GLORY!!!"

**
78. JustTheFactsMaam
"I miss Spirit filled choirs.

I miss choirs singing songs that have a sermon in every verse.

I miss passionate choir directors.

I miss Hammond organs.

The storm IS passing over. God is STILL on His throne. We have NOTHING to fear!"

** 
79. Robert Johnston
"Encourage my soul"

**
80. "Debbie Bloodworth
"🎤🎶 SING CHOIR 👏👏 👏👏 👏👏 👏👏 👏👏 👏👏 👏👏 👏 GLORY! GLORY! GLORY! 🙆 HALLELUJAH 👋 👋👋 👋👋 👋👋👋👋 PRAISE HIM👼 THE STORM IS PASSING OVER, HALLELUJAH"

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81. Jacqueline Goodspeed
"Just stumbled upon this song. Reminds me of old church and has encouraged my soul.  More saints need to journey back to these old songs, our ground is dry."
-snip-
"Saints" here means members of Christian churches. "Our ground is dry" calls forth images of farm land in need of water from heaven,(in the content of this comment, "showers" from the Heavenly Spirit). 

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2019

82. Edith Hardy
"This Choir director is amazing"

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83. J DH
"Sing choir...  I love how the musicians accompany each other. No one is louder than the other."

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84. Karima Nicolette
"@ 4:21 they heard Mr. Loves bass line and got a little to thrilled🎸

Amen!"

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85. J DH
"Saaannngggg y'all.. C'mon through bass singer. First thing my ears picked up lol."

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86. beverly francis
"I love to watch choir directors like this...16th june 2019."

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87. ucantrustme10
"Play them instruments yaw..... 😍😍😍"
-snip-
"Play them instruments" like "Sing It" and "Sang it!" are compliments and exhortations to continue doing what is being praised. "Yawl" = y'all [you all= all of you]

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88. Kim Brown
"this man is directing y'all.This. choir is sanging.Thank-you Jesus"
-snip-
This man is directing" = "This man  is really doing an excellent job of directing the choir. " 

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89. Ashley Reese
"I miss this kind of singing in the church. He was directing that choir!"

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90. sayianofallsayins 1
"I grew up with the old school gospel church music that's all my dad played on his record player, i do remember this song"

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Reply
91. Mary Moore
"Amen, they are a Blessing."

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Reply
92. Walter Tufts, 2020
"The late, great Jimmy Dowell of St. James Missionary Baptist Church in Detroit, MI"

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93. gen ramsey, 2021
" @Walter Tufts  thank you! I just loved the way he directed the choir, but he had me spellbound (in a very stunning way)! I wish you knew the many times I have played this gospel choir stirring version of 'The Storm Is Passing Over' "

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94. kadeemgray93
"Director on point" 

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95. Shaloi Duncan
"Somebody holding down that bass boiiiiii"
-snip-
This is a compliment about how well the bass section is singing, and particularly addresses on of the bass singings who is the main singer who is helping that section excell.

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96. Richard Condon
"For you conductors out there, take a lesson."

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97. CoCo Chanel
"In my preacher voice, "How many know they ain't talking about the kind of storm you need an umbrella for"  The storm is passing over! Hallelujah!!"

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98. sfebon
"The choir director is into it"
-snip-
I've usually heard people say "really in to it". To really be in to something means to put your whole self in what you are doing. (body, mind, and spirit).

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99. B N
"There are many versions of this song but this is by far the best rendition"

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100. Monica Mitchell
"Takes me back to when I was a kid and my mom directed choir and the choir tore the church up. Hallelujah ❤"
-snip-
"Tore the church up" has the same meaning as "bring the roof down" / "raise the roof". In this comment about a church choir, the singing helped bring down the Holy Spirit and the people in the church began shouting, doing holy dances, and otherwise praising God etc.

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101. rhonda aubrey
"Watching Jimmy Dowell brings back so many precious memories. And learning the true concept of ministry."

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2020

102. Connie Mcmillian
"The Storm Is Passing Over: This is a Storm. Coronavirus -19, but Thank God We Know How to Pray. And the Director, HE KNOWS HE CAN DIRECT!!!!  I enjoyed that!!! Amen!!!!!!!!!!!"

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103. Al Boyd
"DETROT!  That director is so cool. Powerful performance by all involved."

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104. Karima Nicolette
"That Bass Line Though

Sent Some Shock Waves🎸"

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105. Claretha Nelson
"This song inspires and gives me hope that the COVID-19  pandemic  storm will be passing over soon!  No storm is greater than God. Amen."

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106. Natasha Grey
"Loool that director could make me sing any song. He's a whole vibe! I enjoyed this lol."
-snip-
A person who is "a whole vibe" is someone who gives off vibrations that are unique; someone who is a "character", a "personality" who has his (her/their) own style. When describing a person the term "a vibe" and "a whole vibe" mean the same thing although "a whole vibe" may empahsize the description more.  Both of these terms are usually relatively complimentary descriptions. 

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107. Tracy G
"What soul-stirring music and testimony! Hallelujah!"

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108. G Montezuma
"It’s sad that few gospel choirs sound still like this.  When I was growing up, you could go to any big Black church and hear these inspirational songs in a way that only Black windpipes can deliver, accompanied by a talented organist and percussionist.

The choirs today sing these R&B styled songs that aren’t bad, but cannot hold a candle to classics like these.  Today’s young people don’t realize how much R&B borrowed from gospel, and that their modern gospel songs are a derivative of a derivative.

Nothing gets me in the spirit more than old fashioned gospel belted out in praise of the Most High."
-snip-
Describing something as "old fashioned" is usually considered a negative. However, describing something as "old school" is usually considered a compliment.

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 109. ADEBAYO ADEFOLAJU
"Prophetic, very relevant in this CoronaVirus era,  we shall sing the storm is over...but only the living will able to say that though, if you will be alive with me, Say Amen. "

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110. Patricia Cannon
"This is a true song of encouragement that brought our ancestors over.  The storm will pass over.  King Jesus will see to that!!  Still relevant."

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111. Veera Shettar
"Any Storm will Pass over in Christ Jesus... Lets Praise him.. Halleluia"

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112. Samuel Peterkin

"Covid 19 too shall pass. Trust God. Thank him for that"

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113. heidi baur
"I'm glad God is helping me through this COVID 19 storm in 2020. He's the only way I'm making it."

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114. Lorraine Banath
"The Choir Director certainly has style and grace 😃💪💯. The Choir   was Saaanging that song 😂😂😃😂👍💯"

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115. statikreg
"Performed this in high school choir. We were not this good...."

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116. thomas4ish
"Lord,please encourage my soul.Halleleuya"

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117. m/talk
"👉🏽 I like to see a DIRECTOR in touch with every musical note! 😁" 
-snip- 
This comment was written in bold font.

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2021

118. Leighana G
"The onductor though🥰🥰 Mr. Jimmy Dowell... I keep looking at him the WHOLE TIME lol. God blessed your soul RIP🙏🏾"

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119. Alisohn Thompson
"JD sho nuff could direct a choir!!!"

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120. Paula Gathings
"The Baddest Director Ever"

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121. 4everseeking
"It's y'all fault Detroit Mass Choir!! I planned on sitting quietly in my office, but then came 2:49....and my shoes came off and my cube walls couldn't hold me anymo!!!! Praise you Jesus"

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122. Qusheida Fields
"Who ever on the keyboard is killing it"

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Reply
123. Revdred
"@Qusheida Fields  Rev. Rudolph Stanfield is on the piano."

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123. To the Church on YouTube Write
"The artistry of the directing!"

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124. Wanda Clark
"A  Masterpiece here deserves an encore great choir director and choir god bless you the storm is passing over hallelujah wished I could've sang with you choir I enjoyed and glad I stumbled on this thank you."

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135. Holy Temple Holiness Church of Deliverance East
"I miss singing like this 🥰🙌🏽"

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137. JeRel Jay Johnson II
"Wow the only video I’ve found of my grandmother JoAnn Whitney Morrison❤️ 4-27-2009🕊

@ 6:22 in the yellow suit up praising God❤️"

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138. Mthunzi Nhlapo
"Timeless message - faith, hope, courage, patience. God bless."

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139. Rita Cunegin
"Brotha' Jimmy Dowells, an amazing Choir Director!"

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140. V. Xiangxuamakolo
"The choir and director are great but the musicians - keyboards, drums, bass - are on fire. 🔥"

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141. DeVaughn Stephens
"As simple as it is, that is some good directing right there.  Classic Jimmy “JD” Dowell.  Masterful."

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142. chris garrett
"this song always lift my spirits"

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143. Jay
"I love this! It reminds me of Sis. Maricatherine Evans, my other mother, who introduced me to the Detroit Mass Choir in 1992."

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144. Rozconni WestSand
"GOD is good,  He is in the details.  Thanks be to those who had the foresight years ago to record these videos, for such a time of tragedy we can really use the Hope."

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145. Steamroller René
"EXCELLENT in every way!  Presentation, posture, performance! Very well directed! Y'all give MASS CHOIRS a GOOD NAME and set the bar for standards. Praise the Lord!"

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This concludes Part II of this two part pancocojams series.

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