SAN DIEGO — One of the best church choirs in Southern California is celebrating with a 50-year reunion.
In this Zevely Zone, I visited Calvary Baptist Church in Barrio Logan.
We all could use some harmony in this world, especially with an uplifting message. I was invited to join a youth choir reunion and soulful celebration 50 years in the making.
"It's a great memory to look back and see where they've come from," said Reverend Joseph Slade. He was the minister of music at Calvary Baptist in the 70's and 80's.
All of the adults at the choir reunion used to be children in his choir.
"We never had anyone in jail," said Reverend Joseph Slade. "I mean they were not perfect but as a whole great kids."
One of the former choir singers is Farris Davidson. He was 12 years old when he sang at Calvary Baptist. Farris has grown a little gray and now sits in a wheelchair but his choir's message never changed. "Stay together, be encouraged and keep your enthusiasm up," said Farris.
Longtime members of Calvary Baptist have looked forward to this choir reunion for decades.
"It's so exciting. I didn't sleep last night that is how excited I am," said Barbara Andrews.
The 93-year-old joined the church in 1944 and looks back on the youth choir with great pride.
"100 teenagers and they were so well disciplined, can you believe that? Would that happen today?" asked Barbara.
"There is a comradery that is second to none," said Dr. Kevin E. Stafford.
He leads Calvary Baptist now and for him to stand before a congregation that once heard Martin Luther King Jr. preach is special.
"Humbling, to say the least, to know that Dr. King his footsteps brought him to this pulpit that now has been entrusted to me. It's an honor. It's a privilege," said Dr. Stafford.
Before Reverend 'Slade' came to Calvary Baptist another choir he led sang for MLK Jr.
"When you meet him, it's really something. He is really special," said Reverend Slade. He told me Dr. King fought for the good of the people and that is the same message his choir still sings about today.
Sometimes they sing with a whisper and sometimes at the top of their lungs.
Their faith is firmly grounded on earth, but their voices can be heard in the heavens.
I asked Reverend Slade what he thought Martin Luther King Jr. would think about their reunion performance.
"Oh, he'd love it, he gave us accolades then so I am sure he'd love it now," said Reverend Slade.
Calvary Baptist has been serving the Greater San Diego Community since 1889. For more information about their church, click here.