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Gospel Choir from Evangel University performs at MLK Day Celebration

Gospel Choir from Evangel University performs at MLK Day Celebration

Published on Jan 15, 2018 by Paul K. Logsdon

Event story and brief video of Evangel students on stage, posted by the Springfield News-Leader (Jan. 15, 2018)

A Gospel Choir from Evangel University performed at the Gilloiz Theatre following Springfield’s annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day March on Monday, Jan. 15, 2018.

The MLK March began at 9 a.m. at the Mediacom Ice Park, and concluded at the historic Gilloiz Theatre in downtown Springfield.

The 10-member ensemble from Evangel was comprised of seven singers and three instrumentalists, according to student director Anneli Lofgren, a junior music major from Bronx, N.Y.

The group from Evangel sang three songs during the MLK Day celebration. // PHOTO BY: Paul K. Logsdon (CLICK TO ENLARGE)

“Today was an incredible experience” said Lofgren. “From learning about Dr. King in the classroom as a young student in the hub of New York, to being able to honor him with our talents was a blessing! We honored God through our gifts and just gave it back to Him and the community.”

Lofgren was invited to put a group together from Evangel for the MLK Celebration last fall.

“Saying yes was easy. Organizing it was a little daunting, but seeing it come together was a dream come true for me, and I’m sure for everyone else involved as well,” she said.

2018-01.15b EU Gospel Choir MLK, Gilloiz — The Evangel students received a standing ovation following their performance of “Take My Hand, Precious Lord.” PHOTO BY: Paul K. Logsdon // (CLICK TO ENLARGE)

The students sang, “Lift Every Voice,” “Sing” — also known as “The Black National Anthem” — and “Take My Hand, Precious Lord,” a favorite hymn of Dr. King.

2018-01.15c EU Gospel Choir, MLK Day — The students in the Gospel Choir from Evangel included back row: Josiah Gordon, senior; Chris Pereira, junior; Stephen Lupo; freshman; Trey Sederwall, junior; and front row: Tejhanae Francis, freshman; Kristi Watzke, freshman; Anneli Lofgren, junior; Micaiah Ojo, senior; Kasidi Shorey, freshman; and Sean McLaughlin, junior. // PHOTO BY: Paul K. Logsdon (CLICK TO ENLARGE)

Sponsored by the NAACP, organizers of the local MLK March collected socks, hats and gloves for school age children. They also collected diapers for the diaper bank.