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“Who would have thought back in 1976 that 40 years later the
Clarence Smith Community Chorus would still be going strong?
The CSCC is your community’s gem. We will continue to strive
to be worthy of your support and high expectations,”
Clarence Smith, chorus director shared in the printed
booklet.
In 1976, Clarence Smith and a small group of talented
singers founded the chorus at Grace Presbyterian (Church)
Community Center. The chorus specializes in performing Negro
spirituals, preserving the legacy of African-American
composers and singing standard, classic music. The
award-winning chorus has performed on radio, television and
its own CD titled, “Expressions of Soul in 2010.”
The chorus has also been featured in the Toledo-area through
partnerships with Toledo Symphony Orchestra, Toledo Jazz
Orchestra, Toledo Opera, Lourdes University and the
University of Michigan’s “Music of Black Americans”
Symposium.
“I wish to convey a hearty expression of thanks. It has been
a glorious journey working with the men and women of CSCC. I
would like to thank all of our supporters, those who attend
every concert, those who are supporters of this 40th
season, and those who are friends of CSCC,” Harriett Grier,
chorus president, shared in the printed booklet.
The banquet included an invocation by Rev. Cordell Jenkins,
the pastor of Abundant Life Ministries, proclamation
presentations, congregational hymn of “Lift Every Voice and
Sing,” musical selections of “Witness” by soloist Rebecca
Eaddy, award presentations, guest artist Reva Rice, remarks
and benediction by Minister Ernest Walker.
“It’s truly an honor to stand before you and present this
proclamation to my mentor, Clarence Smith. He is an example
of how one man can impact the community, positively. I’m
honored to stand on the same stage as him,” said Toledo City
Councilman Tyrone Riley.
The chorus has 29 active members. The officers are: Clarence
Smith, founder and director; Harriett Grier, president;
Crystal Barnett, vice president; Joyce Smith, secretary;
Beverly Josey, assistant secretary; Lori Amison, treasurer;
Stephen Hallisburton, assistant treasurer; Ernest Walker,
membership chairman; Ernest Walker, nominations chairman;
Mary Wrighten, publicity chairman; Dorcel Dowdell, social
and courtesy chairman; Daisy Williams-Abrams, librarian and
Sandra Kellogg, accompanist.
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