Alvin M. Keeling 
It is November and Thanksgiving month has arrived. For many, this is the time to sing praises to God.
There was a moment on a recent Wednesday night at Meadowbrook Baptist Church where 24 men and women, all in the old age of their lives, raised their voices in a full program of hymns, gospel tunes and song of praise.
The music began with the majestic grand piano on the left of the stage as pianist Margaret McDaniel’s nimble fingers gently caressed her black and white keys to fill the sanctuary with glorious sound. Next, members of the Abundant Life Choir raised their voices with a brilliant singing of Stuart K. Hine’s famous hymn, “How Great Thou Art”, with the audience joining in the joyous praise.
A time of thanksgiving and praise continued as musical director Kevin Boyd led the group in many other selections including “Build Your Kingdom Here”, a gospel favorite; and “Standing on the Solid Rock,” featuring the Diane Elliot, Susan Smith and Donnie Machen trio. Soloists Larry Parker and Donnie Machen performed “Step into the Water; And many other songs, old and new, were performed.
Pastor Randy Gunter noted the advanced age of the members of the Abundant Life Choir – “These people have experienced sadness and disappointment and many good times; they are really grateful to have made it this far; you can hear it in their voices and see in their faces that they are truly grateful. This concert is their way of sharing their gratitude and helping others to express theirs.
Gunter said the Abundant Life Choir is open to “anyone who is elderly who enjoys singing; Meadowbrook membership is not required. He said the choir is planning a tour next year and additional members for the trip would be welcome. For more information, email Boyd at kevin@mbchurch.com or call the church office at 256-442-3550.
This article originally appeared on The Gadsden Times: An Evening of Music at Meadowbrook
