CITY BAPTIST JUBILEE CHOIR UNION HISTORY

Shaped Notes or Jubilee Singing infiltrated the African American congregations in the 19^th century; a proclamation of the “Good News” through music for the greater glory of God. In Columbia, there was a movement by several leaders who were determined to enhance worship in the Black Church. This year, 2022, marks 100 years since Brother James Bailey from Zion Baptist Church, Brother D.W. White from Union Baptist Church, Deacon Frank McCormick from Zion Baptist Church, Ebenezer Baptist Church, and First Calvary Baptist Church had a visible presence at this meeting and shared the vision. The vision unfolded with images of a merger of the area Church Jubilee Choirs became a reality. The first gathering was at Zion Baptist Church, 801 Washington Street, Columbia, SC.

A tremendous response grew because of the solicitation of Jubilee Choirs to fellowship. This assembly culminated in a congregation of thirteen choirs. The increased number of participating choirs created a lengthy program on Tuesday nights when the services were held. Consequently, through a mutual agreement, the assembly of the Jubilee Choirs was split into two organizations, and there is no mention of the outcome of the choirs who parted but out of this disunion, the City Baptist Jubilee Choir Union was born. The Union sessions then shifted to the second Sunday of each month at 2:30 pm.

There were many successors who crusaded for the declaration of the “Good News.” The linage of presidents serving the Union was: James Barley, W. D. White, Deacon Frank McCormick (elected twice), and James Geiger. Their service spoke volumes about their dedication.

Deacon Oliver Washington served eighteen years as president and Deacon Gomillion served with Deacon Washington as vice president. In 1964, Emanuel Faust, Sr. was elected president and served twenty-five years until his retirement in 1989. Deacon Odell Bookert was a vice president at that time, and he immediately assumed the position of interim president.

The traditional “male” role as president eventually receded and we welcomed our first female president, Elizabeth Hammonds, who served two terms with Deacon Odell Bookert as vice president. After her term of presidency, the leadership reverted to the male counterpart. Robert Richardson zealously held the position as president and Deacon Odell Bookert continued to be a pillar on the sidelines serving as vice president.

The ladies continued to serve the union as secretaries and assistant secretaries; Carrie Isaac, Sister Sellers, Gussie Bolton, Edna Williams, Nellie Whren, Sister Morris, Violet Aiken, and Bettie Briggman. Doris Graham, Deloris Durham, Eula Samuel, and Inez Hammond also contributed to the secretarial pool. Deacon Eddie Dawkins filled the position of Union treasurer. We were blessed to have had Lucille Curry, Deacon Oliver Washington, Emanuel Faust, Sr., Eula Samuel, and Violet Aiken serve as advisors.

The union experienced sorrow at the death of two of our beloved members, Deaconess Louise Bookert and Mrs. Bettie Briggman. Deaconess Bookert died on September 26, 2013. She was a faithful long-term member whose service exceeded more than 30 yrs. in the union. Deaconess Bookert served diligently on the financial committee, the Special Choir, and was a member and director of Zion Chapel Baptist Church #1 Jubilee Choir. Mrs. Bettie Briggman was a dedicated, committed, and long-term member whose devotion also exceeded more than 30 yrs. in the union, died on September 22, 2014.

Bettie served diligently as secretary and event coordinator to the union. She was also a member of Zion Chapel Baptist Church #1 Jubilee Choir. We miss both of our sisters dearly.

In 2014, Deacon Odell Bookert resigned as president of the union due to health issues. He continued to serve as an advisor to the union and director of the special choir. Robert Richardson accepted the position as interim president; Naomi Samuel assumed the position of interim vice president and Louretha Pittman succeed Bettie Briggman (prior to her death) as interim secretary until the next election in 2015.

In 2016, God called two of his faithful servants home, Deacon Charles Aiken and Deacon Odell Bookert. Deacon Aiken departed this earthly home on May 21, 2016. He was a longstanding member of Temple Zion Baptist Church. He served faithfully in his many roles as Dietary Consult, Trustee, Deacon, and a Jubilee Choir member. Deacon Aiken served more than 30 years in the CBJCU where he held a position as one of the finance committee members and he was also a member of the Special Choir.

On August 11, 2016, the City Baptist Choir Union was overcome by the news of the untimely death of our beloved Deacon Odell Bookert. Deacon Bookert was a dedicated, committed, and long-term member claiming more than 30 yrs. of service to the CBJCU. His meticulous service to this unique ministry is unsurpassed by any other choirmaster in this local area and was one of the few remaining Choirmasters of “shape note” singing. During his tenure in the Union, he wore many “hats”, which included president, V-president, event coordinator, and mentor. He also was one of the originators of the "Special Choir. Deacon Bookert was the director and leader of the Special Choir until declining health imposed his resignation. He continued as an advisor as his strength allowed. Deacon Bookert was a member of Temple Zion Baptist Church and he subscribed to the “Great Commission” and imprinted a litany of a spiritual task.

On July 9, 2017, several presiding officers were reinstalled along with the installation of Asst. Secretary—Tiffany Trevino, Financial Secretary—Florist Bowman, Asst. Financial Secretary—Peggy Boyles and Benevolent – Barbara Harling.

In January of 2019, the CBJCU implemented a community venture with the previous adoption of CA Johnson High School. We pledged to donate to the school in support of the students annually. During the pandemic, we have been able to keep this pledge.

The year 2020 will become a memorable year, trek in a time of extreme political unrest and the invasion of the deadly Coronavirus. We would soon be thrust into a “virtual” world; social distancing (6ft.), wearing face masks and face shields, subjected to extended periods of imposed confinement, and the death rate climbed to a preposterous number; exceeding half a million worldwide by April 30, 2021.

Choir rehearsals and all related activities shut down around mid-March 2020, the rapidly spreading, extremely contagious virus has taken hold of this nation. With each passing day, week, and month uncertainty hung in the air as to the resilience of the Union. With much prayer and faith, God revealed Hebrews 10: 23-25.

March 14, 2021, the City Baptist Jubilee Choir Union hosted our first virtual Union session. Our guest speaker was Rev. Fletcher Tucker, Assoc. Minister at Zion Baptist and God’s Grace Jubilee Singers and the Special Choir rendered the music. We had a great participation of approx. 40-50 registrants. We held our second session on April 11, 2021, and Dr. Cynthia Walters, Assoc. Minister at Zion Baptist was our guest speaker and the same choirs provided selections.

As we move forward, we anticipate this same monthly arrangement until God allows us to return to a more physical fellowship. We thank God for all that He has allowed this ministry to accomplish under His cover, much prayer, and faith. We thank Dr. Benita Allene Esteen for all her technical advice and for facilitating our sessions using the zoom format. And we thank Mrs. Claudia Williams and Mrs. Naomi Samuel for their inspiration, motivation, and endless work to encourage the “Shape Note Singing.” God delivered a “special” blessing to the City Baptist Jubilee Choir Union, on Friday, July 1, 2022, we were awarded the Folklife – Traditional Arts Projects Grant from the South Carolina Arts Commission.

We are cultivating and increasing the numbers of workers in the vineyard as we uplift God’s word through shaped note singing. The churches that are affiliated with the Union are Dennis Chapel, God’s Grace Jubilee Singers, Second Nazareth Baptist, Temple Zion, Zion Baptist, and

Zion Chapel Baptist #1. The Union has encountered many barriers to the furtherance of this ministry, but we have a passion for this Christian Assembly, and we refuse to surrender.

Many of the forerunners of the “City Baptist Jubilee Choir Union” have passed on to their reward. Every person in the union has worked diligently and faithfully over the years and continues to do so. Commendations are due to the great founders, leaders, officers, and members. Congratulations on a job well done!!!

"Today the Union continues our legacy of Jubilee singing"