Elder Roger Hairston, visionary and former C. L. G. National Minister of Music, got the telephone number of the late Apostle Patricia A. Jones, Pastor of the former McCullough Memorial C. L. G

Elder Roger Hairston, visionary and former C.L.G. National Minister of Music, got the telephone number of the late Apostle Patricia A. Jones, Pastor of the former McCullough Memorial C.L.G. in Harrisburg, PA from our past Assistant National Minister of Music, Elder Barbara Ward-Farmer and that was the beginning of the first C.L.G. National Music Conference held Friday, March 31 to Sunday, April 2, 1989, in Harrisburg, PA. The workshops, rehearsals, and Sunday Morning Service were held at McCullough Memorial Church on Regina Street. A hospitality luncheon was provided for the delegates by McCullough Memorial Church. The services were graciously hosted by Elder Doc Gilmore and the congregation of Mt. Calvary C.O.G.I.C. Our President General, Bishop Jesse J. White, Sr. sanctioned the National Music Conference; while our Vice-President General, Bishop David Drone of Ohio and Bishop Lillian Ward of NJ attended. Although met by a winter storm, the bus from Akron and the large delegations from Camden & New England rode through the storm and packed it out. Also, there were locals, like the Wilson family and from as far as the Gulf Coast! The National Mass Choir ministered original songs in concert with a mini-concert by the National Children’s Choir, directed by Sis. Patricia Wood, Sis. Geronnie Clark, and Missionary Angela Herndon. Some of our pioneer musicians were Min. Bryon Ward, Min. Garry Herndon, Sr., and our introduction to Bro. Anthony McMillan, who has been adopted by the Churches of the Living God as a faithful servant. NMC initial officers: Elder Roger Hairston – National Min. of Music, Elder Barbara Farmer – National Assistant Min. of Music, Apostle Patricia Jones – Spiritual Advisor, Deacon Virgle McGrady, Sr. – Treasurer, Minister Carolyne Sullivan-Historian, Minister A. E. Sullivan, Jr. – Public Relations, Elder Ronald McGee – Hospitality, and Elder Charlotte Alexander - Finance Team.

By the next year, the former McCullough Memorial Church could no longer hold the increase of the National Music Conference. Deaconess Betty Beene of Tupelo, MS chartered bus load(s) from the south. From 1990-1992 all of the workshops and services were held at the Mt. Calvary C.O.G.I.C. Bro Frank Gainey of Philadelphia worked the registration tables faithfully for subsequent years. Some of our early facilitators were Minister Ronald King, Bro. Kevin Pringle, Brother Willis, Elder Jessie White, Evangelist Wendell Miller, Elder Lance Dardan, Bro. Howard Kennedy, Sister Michelle Bradshaw, Bro. Thomas Adams, Minister Rodney Green, Minister Carol Ellerbe, and of course, our very own Elder Hairston, and Elder Farmer.

In March 1993, the 5^th annual conference made its’ first move to Columbus, Ohio, where Elder Hairston and his local church, Temple of Faith C.L.G. hosted. It was there, the Lord blessed us to make our first live recording, entitled “He’s Brought Me” written by Elder Hairston at Triedstone Church. Due to the recording project, Thursday evening service was added to the conference. We were blessed to rehearse at Refuge Baptist Church which was shepherded by Elder Hairston’s late father, and enjoyed delicious meals prepared by his mother, the late Mrs. Henrietta Hairston. Bishop Drone, Bishop Hopkins, Bishop L. Ward, Bishop Warren, and Bishop Robins blessed the NMC with gifts of $300 for the first recording.

The 7^th annual conference, March 1995, was made unique with many first. The entire convention held all events in the hotel, The Holiday Inn, Harrisburg-East. The N.M.C. mission statement written by Elder William Jones, Jr. was printed for the first time. Evangelist Angela Herndon held the first children’s music classes. Another new tradition initiated by Evangelist Kelvin Ransey, who led powerful prayer & ministry each morning. Additional NMC team members were: Sis. Shelia Tapscott, Secretary, Sis. Frances Lavender, workshop coordinator, Min. Ramona Kinard, Praise/Worship coordinator, Min. Vanessa Thornton, Usher coordinator, and Sis. Rhonda Hill, booklet coordinator. The NMC held Vendor/Exhibitor Area for the first time. The Gospel Talent Showcase originated this same year, and the winner – Min. Garry Herndon, Sr. The Church of the Living God may have made more history, while operating the NMC, the Officers’ Retreat, and the Budgeting & Structure Team simultaneously, in the same location.

The faithful delegates of the Southern New England Diocese hosted the 8^th Annual Music Conference, in March 1996, at the Holiday Inn Downtown and First C.L.G. in Hartford, CT, the home of our President General, Bishop Jesse White, Sr. During this conference, the National Mass Choir prepared for the 2^nd recording, “Worship the Lord” written by Evangelist Kelvin Ransey, which was held the following August at the National Youth Congress in Harrisburg at the Hilton & Towers. Along with Evangelist Ransey, several other C.L.G. born song writers were showcased on this recording: Elder Courtney Pope, Min. Melody Sherman Tate, the late Pastor Troy Hopkins, and Elder Farmer. The National Children’s Choir sang an original written by Evangelist & Min. Herndon with a violin solo by 12 year old Miss Angela Holland of Mount Calvary COGIC.

In March 1997, the 9^th Annual Music Conference convened at Grace Temple C.L.G., Steelton, PA, hosted by Bishop Ivy Hopkins, Executive Administrator. Our Former National Assistant Minister of Music Melody Sherman Allen preached until His train filled the temple. Minister Jamar Jones could no longer play the organ, but was slain in the spirit.

The 10^th Annual Music Conference, March 1998, was once again hosted at McCullough Memorial C.L.G., 18^th & State Streets, Harrisburg, at the newly purchased edifice were the entire conference was accommodated, “Look where God brought us from”! By this time some changes in administration had taken place, Elder Farmer, National Minister of Music, Rev. Melody Sherman and Sister Betty Beene, National Assistant Minister of Music, Elder Hairston, Music Advisor, Sis. Chi Chi Nabors, Secretary, and Sis. Marcella Knight, Hotel Coordinator. Bro. Larry Farmer, Sr. manned the vending areas selling CLG recordings and operating sound equipment, Sis. Sonya Hairston sold CLG Music Conference sweatshirts and tees. National Musicians: Min. Jamar Jones, the Late, Rev. Troy Hopkins, Bro. Curtis Andrews, and Bro. Darrell Williams. While Min. Garry Herndon, Sr. provided transportation for our out of town guest, Bro. Larry Farmer Jr. made his Music Conference debut as the organist for the National Children’s Choir. Local guest, known as the largest gospel singing family: The Scott White Evangelistic Crusade of Steelton ministered in song. The first Music Award Recognition Prayer Breakfast at 9:30 a.m. Were you there? Mother Bernice Hopkins received a Living Legend Award for her many years of musical service to the Lord. Friday evening, special guest: Evangelist Rita Twiggs of Washington, D.C. preached and preached up a storm – a snow storm.

In March 1999, the 11^th NMC convened in Detroit, Michigan, host pastor, Elder Lillian Robinson. Services were held in two locations: Thursday evening – United Temple COGIC, where recording artist Dorinda Clark Cole preached –“Lord, Don’t Take Your Spirit From Me” and the renowned Perfecting Ministries Center, Marvin Winans, pastor. Our National Minister of Music, Elder Farmer recognized the great heritage of one of Detriot’s own – Professor Edward G. Robinson. Guest presenters: Sister Deloris Brown of New Jersey, Sister Renee Washington, Brother Derrick Starks, and Minister Kenny Wells (who has worked with many gospel artist) of Michigan. Elder Benjamin Drone brought the gospel choir from Buchtel High School, Akron, Ohio, who has attended every year thereafter. We always enjoy them and they are a great asset to the NMC. In the summer of that year, the NMC made its’ third recording, during the National Youth Congress held in Chicago, IL, and was produced by Minister Melody Sherman and Bro. Darrell Williams, who wrote the title cut, “Help Me Praise Him”.

Our first trip of southern hospitality, in Tupelo, Mississippi, with Bishop Clarence Parks hosting dual conferences: 12^th NMC and the Ministerial Retreat led by our General Overseer, Bishop Jesse White, Sr. Deaconness Betty Beene’s bus planning skills were able to take a break this year. The speaker for the Music Awards Recognition Prayer Breakfast was Min. Shawn Wilson. During the Saturday evening concert, after Bishop Hairston led the CLG Mass Choir in the Hymn, “Oh To Be Kept By Jesus”, we had a Shechinah Glory experience. When God was finished – we departed.

Back to Columbus, Ohio, for the 13^th Annual NMC, in March 2001, held at Temple of Faith CLG, Bishop Hairston’s church and visiting once more, Triedstone Baptist Church. After recent elections, Bro. Curtis Andrews serves as our National Assistant Minister of Music. Minister Kresta Reno contributes as the Microsoft publisher souvenir booklet coordinator. Friday evening service guest preacher: Bishop Keith Williams of Columbus. Evangelist Kelvin Ransey was the speaker for the 4^th Music Awards Recognition Prayer Breakfast. Min. Carol Ellerbe brought the Woodrow Wilson Alumni Choir, who really blessed us with their skillful singing.

The next four years were spent on the Atlantic Coast, hosted by Pennsylvania - Bishop Ivy Hopkins and New Jersey - Bishop Lillian Ward. Workshops and sessions were held in the Historic District, Downtown Philadelphia hotels with the extracurricular activities of shopping and eating. Services were in Camden, NJ, at Faith Tabernacle CLG where our National Minister of Music, Elder Barbara Farmer is the pastor and Antioch Baptist Church, Rev. John O. Parker, pastor. Several administration changes occurred during this time. Bishop Clarence Parks serves as the Auxiliary Bishop of the NMC, Sis. Sonya Hairston became treasurer, Min. Larry Herndon, NMC Children’s Director, Elder Kelvin Ransey, Spiritual Advisor. Bro. Larry Farmer Jr., Bro. Keith Simpson, and Bro. George Parks are National Musicians, with Honorary Musicians: Min. Jamar Jones, Min. Damon, Bro. Antoine, Bro Quadris, and Bro. Anthony McMillan serving also as our sound engineer. Providing equipment logistics are Sis. Sabrina & Bro. Larry Farmer. Our Praise Dance instructor has been Bro. Brandon Davis & Sis. Margaret Estelle, National Praise Team Leader. For two years we feasted from the ministry of Rev. Steven Ford, music producer and musician, who gave a profound initial sermon, in March 2002 – Who would have known that it was his first sermon? In 2003, Elder Farmer presented memorial awards on behalf of the late Bro. James McKnight and the late Apostle Patricia Jones, former Spiritual Advisor. Elder Benjamin Drone’s seeds continued to blossom, in the same year, another bus joined the Akron caravan with students from Firestone High School. They have made the NMC a tradition too.

In 2004, during the National Youth Congress in Detroit, MI, the NMC made its 4^th recording. We must release this work and spread it! The choir was formed from our sons and daughters, the next generation of CLG musicians, soloist, and singers, who have grown-up, from the children & young adult choirs, and now represent the Churches of the Living God Mass Choir. They made us proud as they glorified God in song. We drugged them. Yes, we drugged them to the National Music conference, we drugged them to the National Youth Congress, we drugged them from city to city and state to state, all day Sunday, and during the week. We drugged them. Aren’t you glad you drugged them? Now, our young people’s achievements are reflective of 16 years of perseverance through a seed God planted in Bishop Roger Hairston and Elder Barbara Ward Farmer.

In 2006, the NMC was brought back to Harrisburg and Mt. Calvary COGIC. The Bishops also held a Minister’s Retreat at the Crowne Plaza downtown. Last year the 19^th NMC was held in the Philadelphia/Camden area.

CLG Proud: Min. Melody Tate is recording artist. Sis. Kristy Richardson, who also sang solo with The Mississippi Mass Choir, now sings back-up with Ce Ce Winans. Min. Kevin Wilson works for world renowned recording artist, Fred Hammond. Min. Darrell Williams has recorded with his group. Sis. Benita Farmer has become a recording artist. Min. Jamar Jones is the music director for Bishop T.D. Jakes at the Potter’s House.

Rev. Angela Sullivan-Herndon,

Author

Elder Carolyne (McGrady) Sullivan,

(Names provided from NMC program booklets from 1990 -2001)