The St. Thomas Gospel Choir is excited about this new, anointed, live recording especially since this will once again be a first and a pioneer venue for the first Episcopal Church and Congregation in the world of African descent. This live recorded CD will feature not only the anointed and inspirational voices of the St. Thomas Gospel Choir but also some of the Philadelphia area's finest singers and musicians to include: Beverly Brockington, Jackie Spraggins, Patricia Akins, Clara Mae Daniels, Adrienne Logan, Jenelle Wilson, Laurie Johnson-McClay, Lenoria Devine, Mia Dutton, Jackie Sampson, Darrah Kane, Darren T. Cottman, Daryn Stewart, Dr. Jay Fluellen and The Musicians of Praise. On Saturday November 13, 2004 the St. Thomas Gospel Choir of the African Episcopal Church of St. Thomas ministered in concert with full band and music ensemble. Howard Kennedy of Musicians of Praise, producer and Waltier Blocker, the minister of music for the STGC, along with Philadelphia area songwriters to include Jackie Spraggins and Rev. John Thompson, produced, wrote and arranged a compilation of gospel music and songs that will inspire the soul and encourage the heart. This concert has been professionally recorded live for major local and national distribution. The History of The African Episcopal Church of St. Thomas Gospel Choir The A. E. Church of St. Thomas Gospel Choir is a one bodied, one spirit, Christ centered organization that uses their God given talents of music as a ministry to spread the gospel to the lost and to edify Christ through the word of God through song. The STGC represents the First African American Episcopal congregation in the United States dating back to 1792! In the fall of 1991 the Rector, the Rev. Jesse F. Anderson, Jr. along with a few church members expressed the desire to form a gospel choir to enhance the morning services. Under the direction of Waltier Blocker, eight dedicated members began rehearsing and began the journey of this phenomenal ministry. The members currently consists of thirty, spirit filled, energetic, anointed, musical ambassadors of song. They represent over 6 different churches in the Philadelphia area. With evangelism being a very important factor in the choir's ministry they began bible study at the start of rehearsals and to learn various styles of Gospel, Contemporary, and Christian Music. By doing so they are able to reach out to men and women of all ages and backgrounds. Their unique styles, sounds and powerful ministry have led them to minister in numerous churches, halls, and even synagogues, along the East Coast and especially throughout their hometown of Philadelphia, Pa. In the summer of 1999 the choir was able to travel and spread their ministry with the Diocese of Central America in Costa Rica. This spirit filled journey led them to lead and participate in workshops and educational seminars with the Anglican Church. This trip was a spiritual success. In the summer of 2003 and 2004 the choir completed tours of the South. These tours had them minister from Philadelphia, PA to Baltimore, MD and from there to Charleston, South Carolina. In August of 2003 the choir was honored to be the first Episcopal Church Choir asked to minister at the annual National Convention of Gospel Choirs and Choruses held in Washington DC. They anticipate once again being featured at the convention in August of 2005 in Orlando, Florida. T he St. Thomas Gospel Choir also took part in the National Celebration and Moving Ceremony of the Liberty Bell to its new pavilion and home in October of 2003. In the winter of 2002 the choir recorded and released their 1st Gospel Music CD (One of the First gospel music recording for a Gospel Choir in the entire Episcopal Church) entitled "Worship and Praise" which is a compilation of mass music, hymns and songs set to soul stirring music all arranged and or written from their Director of Music, Waltier Blocker. In the fall of 2004 the choir recorded their 2nd CD and live Recording "The Anointing Makes the Difference". This recording also features the Philadelphia Gospel Music Legend, Beverly Brockington, in her final recording. Listen to her powerful ministry as she sings with the choir on "The Battle Hymn" and "If You're Gonna Pray, Then Don't Worry, If You're Gonna Worry, Then Don't Pray". Having so many musical and spiritual accomplishments the choir anticipates and awaits the Lords direction as they enter their 14th year of music ministry. Psalm 34: 1 I will bless the Lord at all times: His praise shall continually be in my mouth.