Anglican clergy make popular entertainers

Christopher Thomas, Gleaner Writer

Western Bureau:

Despite the showers in Montego Bay last Sunday afternoon, the Holy Trinity Church Hall at Westgate held a rousing concert with members of the Anglican clergy participating in full.

The clergy leaders, along with members of their families, came from Anglican churches across the island to perform in the concert, the first of its kind in Jamaica.

The evening's proceedings consisted of two parts, with church leaders, members and other participants singing both gospel and cultural folk songs, reciting poetry, and showing their skill with musical instruments.

Participating clergymen included Reverend Leslie Mowatt, a former player in the Byron Lee and the Dragonaires; the "singing priest" Grace Jervis; and former media broadcaster, theatre personality and author, Easton Lee.

Proceeds from the concert are expected to go into three ongoing church projects: the construction of accommodation for married couples at the Amy Muschett Home for the Aged in Duncans, Trelawny; creation of a recreational facility for clergy members and their families; and the provision of funds to supply books and school equipment for needy students and also to minister unto other needy individuals.

Concert idea

Reverend Howard Gregory, Anglican Bishop of Montego Bay, revealed that the idea for the concert was born out of a clergy meeting over how to raise the needed funds and also to spread the gospel throughout Jamaica.

"This was a meeting of clergy and lay people. We said we could probably arrange some kind of concert, as a way of raising funds, so then I had them run with the idea of, why not have clergy in concert?" said Gregory.

"Because we have talent among the clergy and among clergy's spouses and children. Most people tend to see clergy in their really serious religious mode, and this is an opportunity to see the other side of them," Gregory added.

The Bishop could not say if the concert would be made into an annual event, but noted that already there were calls for it to be held in Kingston.

"We don't know yet if it will be annual; but Kingston is saying we can't do it and don't come to Kingston," he remarked.

"We'll need to evaluate this and see. It could go to Kingston and be something very big. After we evaluate it, we'll see; but the enthusiasm has been wonderful, and the turnout has been good as well."