How Sweet the Sound best describes the Acme M.B. Church choir, 8758 S. Peoria, on city’s South Side, where Rev. Bernard Sutton is the pastor. Recently, the high-energy choir demonstrated tremendous vocal abilities by winning a continuous sweep of vi
How Sweet the Sound best describes the Acme M.B. Church choir, 8758 S. Peoria, on city’s South Side, where Rev. Bernard Sutton is the pastor. Recently, the high-energy choir demonstrated tremendous vocal abilities by winning a continuous sweep of victories in regional and national choir competitions presented by Verizon Wireless Communications.
Word has it that the Acme choir not only won for overall Best Choir during the national competition, but also had the Atlanta audience on its feet in a holy ghost frenzy during their soulful performance. This was the first year Verizon had a national search for the Best Church Choir in America. Choirs from 10 cities across the nation entered the competition, vying for the grand prize of over $50,000 in cash.
Stellar and Grammy Award winning gospel recording artists Marvin Sapp and Hezekiah Walker served as judges for the event, along with actress Gabrielle Union. Janet Sutton is the choir director that helped lead Acme to victory during the final contest. Sutton recalled that during the gospel celebration, “Marvin Sapp said the performance was very anointed and powerful.” She also commented that Walker noted the choir’s excellent discipline and complimented them on the mechanics of watching their director and exercising control.
Union reportedly was so caught up that she threw a shoe over the choir director’s head.
Union said she had played a choir director in one of her movies, but she never witnessed anyone directing like that. The multi-talented Donald Lawrence served as host throughout the contests.
“When Donald announced it, I said ‘Oh my God’ and they (the choir members) were pushing me up the stairs ’cause my feet couldn’t move,” Janet Sutton said.
According to Sutton, had it not been for the persistence of a choir member, the church might not have entered into the competition. “One of my choir members, Monique Newburn, came and asked about entering the contest. My first response was ‘no.’ As the deadline approached, she asked me again and I told her ‘yes…go ahead and enter us.’” Fortunately, Newburn’s persistence and the choir rehearsing several nights each week paid off in a big way. The choir garnered nonstop victories locally and nationally, as well as a handsome stack of cash totaling $40,000 for their treasure chest. Of course, the winnings could not have come at a better time. “We (the church) are working on purchasing a new building,” Sutton said.
“I feel like it’s another’s day’s journey, and I’m so glad….I feel blessed…I feel wonderful,” said Sutton. Also known as a singer and well-regarded radio personality, she is respected in the gospel industry. She also acknowledged a slight advantage.
“I have judged many contests including McDonald’s, high school and elementary competitions…so I judged them, and I know what we look for as judges,” she said.
Of course when the church is in the spotlight-ultimately, the radar zooms in on the pastor. Sutton shared with excitement that, “Rev Dr. Bernard Sutton said how proud he was of the choir and how the choir could not have done it without the anointing and the spirit of God because that’s what made the difference.” Obviously, some record label execs heard about the big win, and the choir has already been approached about a recording contract and has received an invite to sing at the newly elected Cook County State’s Attorney’s inauguration ceremony.
Happy bday blessings to Richard Smallwood and VaShawn Mitchell. “Remember you are blessed by the Best!”
Effie Rolfe is the religion entertainment columnist for the Chicago Defender. She can be reached via e-mail at effie@theinspirationalcafe.com.
Copyright 2008 Chicago Defender. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
About Post Author
