Annual Negro Spirituals Concert at “The Rock”
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December 19, 2022St. Alphonsus “Rock” Church in St. Louis recently hosted its annual Concert of Negro Spirituals, a popular tradition that showcases the foundational cornerstone of African American sacred music.
Parishioner Caleb Campbell, a multi-talented youth mentor, public speaker and media personality, served as griot –a revered storyteller who preserves the oral history of his people to ensure that the community has the perspective of the past upon which to base current decisions.
Featured performers included Community Gospel Choir of St. Louis, the North City Deanery Area Choir, the Legend Singers Choral Ensemble and the parish’s own Voices of Praise Choir, the Voices of St. Alphonsus and the Liturgical Leaders in Motion dance ministry.
“Spirituals are a very important part of Black history,” said Fr. Steve Benden, pastor. “It is important to remember the faith of the people that kept their spirit alive. This is what Spirituals are about: the resiliency of the human spirit in spite of oppression.”
Enjoy the concert at: https://youtu.be/rQ1xUizGosc
