Atlanta Daily World

Children's Choir Marks Anniversary At St. Paul AME

History was made at St. Paul AME Church, Sunday afternoon, when the St. Cecelia Children's Choir presented a special Mother's Day program in observance of its first anniversary.

The brilliant performance of the choir completely captivated the large and appreciative audience and definitely established this comparatively young organization one of the most promising choral groups in the Gate City.

The program opened with a group of Negro Spirituals, "Joshua Fit de Battle," and "Get On Board Little Children," which were rendered very effectively by the choir in 'a cappella style. Another spiritual, "Deep River" was sung by Jessie Mae Mitchell, soprano.

Dorothy Mitchell was very impressive in her rendition of "That Sweet Story of Old," which was followed by the soothing strains of Mendelssohn's chorale, "Cast Thy Burdens Upon the Lord," by the choir.

Following "Roses of Picardy," sung as a duet by Mable and Dorothy Mitchell, the orchestra played Von Suppe's well-known "Poet and Peasant Overture."

Ushering in part two of the program, which consisted entirely of favorite Mother's Day music, Little Earlyn Starling offered an appropriate reading, "A Gift For Mothers," followed by the tableau by Leola Simmons.

Little Bernice Davis received a great ovation for the masterful manner in which she sang Morse's favorite, "Mother," and Jessie Mae Mitchell was at her best in "Songs My Mother Taught Me."

Other Mother's Day readings were given by Bernice Rawlings and Paul Mitchell Jr., followed by "Ave Maria" sung 'a cappella by Howard Everett, Jr., brilliant young tenor.

The final number on the program was the ever popular, "Mother Machree," which was rendered by Jessie Mae and Dorothy Mitchell supported by the choir.

The St. Cecelia Children's Choir was organized a year ago by Dr. R. A. Billings, who was greatly impressed with the abundance of talent among the young people of the church.

Prof. Earl A. Starling was secured to train this choir of thirty-five voices, and he has done a magnificent job. Aside from training the choir, Prof. Starling arranges practically all of the music for both the choir and orchestra. Likewise, Mrs. Reba Williams has done an excellent job as accompanist.