The normally reserved atmosphere of worship at St Michael’s Cathedral was transformed with lively up-tempo religious music, dancing and testifying when Hymnspeak, one of the most popular events on the annual Gospelfest calendar, took place there Tuesday night.With the theme Safe And Secure, Hymnspeak took on a dimension of reassurance with a selection of hymns that spoke of God’s protection from life’s storms.
Led by the Hymnspeak Choir, the congregation numbering hundreds spent close to three hours participating in the singing of well-loved hymns, while the Reverend Mikie Roberts ministered.
A regular at the annual event now in its fifth year, he shared his personal story of a literal storm experienced in his native Antigua, reassuring the congregation that just as he had found refuge in a neighbour’s home at that time, they too would have a refuge provided by God whenever assailed by the storms of life.
In short, moving ministrations before each hymn, Roberts related lyrics to life’s situations, with many in the congregation often responding by rising and lifting hands in praise to God.
Executive director of Gospelfest Adrian Agard welcomed the large crowd from varying denominations for whom this event has become a favourite among Gospelfest activities.The history of the hymns selected for the evening was told in dramatisations by the Members of Abundant Life Assembly Arts Academy, whose presentations preceded the respective hymn. There was a characterisation of the blind hymnwriter Fanny Crosby, author of He Hideth My Soul; a mother reassured a child, cradling and comforting it in her arms in portrayal of Vernon Charlesworth’s A Shelter In The Time Of Storm. It gave special interpretation to five of the ten hymns sung.
People stood among the pews, waving arms from side to side, uttering personal prayers, moved as they sang Till The Storm Passes By. This coming after a moving violin performance of the same song.Earlier in the programme, the Bethel Chimers with their hand bells played the song Leaning On The Everlasting Arms.
Accompaniment for the evening was by the band Combo, led by James Morgan and Cathedral organist John Bryan.Gospelfest continues today with Expressions Of Gospel at the Frank Collymore Hall, and ends with One Awesome Day a concert at Farley Hill National Park on Sunday.
