United Voices of Praise and friends ‘Worship Him’

Sophia Eversley, the Barbadian-born president of The United Voices of Praise Choir (UVOP) at Fenimore Street United Methodist Church (FSUMC) in Brooklyn, has described as “memorable and inspiring” a spell-binding gospel concert at the church on Saturday, June 27.

Eversley told Caribbean Life that the near 2 ½-hour-long concert, held to help raise funds to repair the church’s roof, was hosted under the theme “Worship Him.” 

She said “fiends” collaborated with UVOP in bringing “together family, friends and members of the community to celebrate music. 

“The audience’s support and enthusiasm created a wonderful atmosphere, and every performance was warmly received,” Eversley said. “It was an honor to perform before such an appreciative crowd, and I am grateful to everyone who attended and helped make the evening a success.”

She said one of the highlights of the concert was UVOP’s singing of “The Father,” a song that she wrote two years ago after FSUMC “funeralized our dearly departed Darlene Pantophlet,” a former chair of the church’s Higher Education Committee. 

“This song holds a special place in my heart because it expresses my personal experiences and emotions,” Eversley said. “Hearing the choir singing brought excitement and tears of joy, knowing that I am fulfilling one of my dreams. 

“Seeing the audience listen carefully and respond positively reminded me of the power of music to bring people together — offer encouragement and inspire hope,” she added. “Their support gave me confidence to continue writing and sharing my music.”

Besides UVOP’s lofty singing, the concert featured several soloists and duets, including Rodney Rosemond and Kelvin Canty; Shani Boxill; Brenda Byfield; Marie Williams; Renee Browne; and Amiyra Mason.   

Siwan Wang also played Johann Sebastian Bach’s “Violin Concerto in A minor, BWV 1041” and Antonio Vivaldi’s “Violin Concerto in A minor, RV 356.”

In addition, the Universal Baptist’s Church Male Chorus rendered “Stop by Here” and “His Eye is on the Sparrow.”

Eversley gave “a big thank you” to FSUMC Musical Director Joseph Roberts for “taking the time to write the music for the evening with the help of an orchestra. 

“Overall, the concert was a rewarding experience that I will always remember,” she said, also thanking “everyone who attended, supported, and encouraged me throughout the event. 

“Their kindness and appreciation made the evening truly unforgettable,” added Eversley, thanking all singers and guest performers including Wang; the Universal Baptist Church Male Chorus; Williams; Brown; Boxill; Mason; Byfield; Vandeveer Park UMC members Cicely White, Doreen Swift and Ian Wharton; tenor-at-large Dianne Aaron; and Raymond Trapp.

“I thank God for giving me the vision, as I continue my journey of writing more songs,” Eversley said.