Compliments of inSightOut TV http://www.youtube.com/channel/UCK8ZiPb07mDeVS8NjZgkHHA/ Original choir members, Romona Wall McQueen, Kathy Ray and Carolyn Bolger Payne from the old Deliverance Evangelistic Church on 17th Street, Philadelphia sing solos in a heart-felt gospel medley directed by Barry McFadden. Romona Wall MCQueen - joined Deliverance Evangelistic Church in 1965 Carolyn Bolger Payne - joined Deliverance Evangelistic Church in 1967 Kathy Ray Williams Riles - joined Deliverance Evangelistic Church in 1967 An excerpt from Kathy Rays story about her early years: (see http://www.youtube.com/channel/UCK8ZiPb07mDeVS8NjZgkHHA for the full story) At the age of fourteen I became a member of Deliverance Evangelistic Young Adult Choir. This respected group, well known throughout the tri-state area, was frequently invited to sing for special occasions. It was a well-run disciplined organization, where a member learned how to sight read music and how to present herself in public. The rules were strict; members could not wear makeup, jewelry, short skirts or pants. They couldnt dance or go to worldly parties. Weekly activities were mandatory. Wednesday night prayer, Friday night service, Saturday during the day was door to door street witnessing, Youth Rally was held on Saturday night, and on Sunday it was all day church. Our lives were centered around each other; we did everything as a group even dating. The training was strict but invaluable. So it was with great pride that I was able to join this exciting singing group. Each time I took my place on the elevated pulpit as a new choir member a sense of humility came over me knowing that I was wearing the black skirt and white blouse that was the uniform of the choir. Furtively, I glanced down now and then making sure my skirt was covering my knees and my blouse was tucked nicely into my skirt. My new black patent leather pumps felt tight on my feet, for I was used to wearing flats. My face felt naked since we were not allowed to wear any make up. Not all members of the Deliverance Evangelistic Young Adult Choir were equals. Any voice aside from the profound and recognized soloists was not heard, let alone considered. Only the acknowledged talent was heard. I enjoyed singing with the choir for about a year, all that time wistfully hoping to lead a song. I would lie in bed at night and rehearse every lead. From time to time, I would get discouraged, knowing how many people I was up against, but I quickly regained my confidence by sheer determination. I did this through prayer, hope, and practice. Sometimes, when I walked home with my friends Beverly and Sheila, they would be my audience as I sang the lead parts. I knew I could sing the alto lead, but I would practice the soprano and tenor parts as well. Then, one Saturday at rehearsal, Wanda one of the lead alto soloists of Climbing up the Mountain was absent. Harden Walker, the organist asked if anyone knew the lead. My friend Carolyn shouted with enthusiasm Kathy knows it and indeed I did. I was allowed to sing the lead in rehearsal. I was bursting with confidence and joy from the experience and fully looking forward to singing on Sunday morning. It would be the biggest test of my capability. On Sunday, to my shock and dismay Wanda was present. Guardedly, I mounted the stage with the seventy voice choir hoping that no one in the congregation of eight hundred would see my welling tears. Valiantly, I fixed my face so that I didnt reveal my disappointment. Wandas unexpected presence had thrown me off and made me feel even more nervous. As the choir completed the first two songs, the organist played the introduction to the last song, Climbing up the Mountain. The Director, Carlos Jenkins beckoned to me. I hesitated, but Carolyn pushed me and said, lets go Kathy Ray. Slowly my eyes panned the audience. I saw my aunt an usher, standing in the aisle. She was always praying for me, so I knew she was praying for ne now. As I walked passed Pastor Smith the man who shaped my life- he gave me a slight grin. The audience began clapping. A few members of the choir were saying, sing Kathy. I took a deep breath, leaned back, and Jesus met me at the mic.

• published: 22 Jun 2015
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