St Mark’s Choir Wins Evo Diocese Singing Competition
It was a glorious moment on Saturday, July 15, 2023, as the Salvation Choir of St. Mark’s Anglican Church, Elelenwo District, was declared the winner of the 2023 Diocese of Evo Singing Competition.
The competition, organized by the Evo Diocesan Music Ministry, was held at All Saints’ Cathedral, Rumuokwurusi, and was graced by the Diocesan, Rt. Rev. Innocent Uchechukwu Ordu, JP, DSSRS, as well as His Majesty, King (Dr.) Dandeson Douglas Jaja, JP, DSSRS, Amayanabo of Opobo Kingdom (former Chairman, Rivers State Council of Traditional Rulers) and His Royal Highness, Eze Sir Simon Wokoma, JP, the traditional ruler of Rumuokwurusi.The competition final, which was keenly contested by nine different church choirs within the diocese, was moderated by Evo Diocesan Music Chaplain Rev. Canon Ozioma Iheanetu and Mr. Okey Uche, Director of Music, Diocese of Ukwa Anglican Communion.
The first three positions are: St. Mark’s, Elelenwo District (1st position); Bethel Anglican Church, Rumuibekwe Parish (2nd position); and All Saints’ Cathedral, Rumuokwurusi (3rd position).
The others were: 4th position: Bethany, Rumuokwurusi Pipeline; 5th position: New Covenant, Eliminigwe Parish; 6th position: Holy Ghost, Iriebe Parish; 7th position: St. Nicholas, Woji District; 8th position: Our Saviour, Rumunduru; and 9th position: Anglican Church of the Passion, Odani, Elelenwo.
Announcing the results, the adjudicators noted that St. Mark’s choir performed excellently to the point of “near perfection.
Presenting the trophies, the Bishop, Rt. Rev. Ordu, congratulated the winners and charged other choirs that participated to work harder in subsequent editions.
The Bishop thereafter presented the top trophy to St. Mark’s Anglican Church, Elelenwo District, while the 2nd and 3rd were also presented.
The high point of the event was the singing of the Hallelujah Chorus, conducted by the Chief adjutant of the Competition, Dr. Mrs. Maria Abidiak, a university lecturer and the organ played by 10-year-old God’s Gift George.
It was indeed a very joyous occasion with a test of singing skills.
Signed
Diocese of Evo Directorate of Media and Communications
Tuesday, July 18, 2023