Male Voice Choir sing for African project

For over three decades, the Ballymena Presbytery Male Voice Choir have used their collective talents to praise God and entertain audiences.
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The choir as it exists today was formed in 1981 when Dr. John Girvan was Moderator of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland.

A Moderator’s Rally was due to take place in High Kirk and an ensemble was formed under the conductorship of Robert McMullan, who had conducted the Carn Male Voice Choir.

They amalgamated with other men from throughout the Presbytery to form the original group.

Over 60 singers participated in that memorable event which was so successful that the group decided to stay together and the Ballymena Presbytery Male Voice Choir was born Just a year later, the collective made its first visit to Church House when the then Moderator, Rev Eric Gardiner, (also Minister of First Ballymena), invited them to sing at a special evening of praise.

Over the years, this dedicated band of vocalists have been well served by congregations throughout the district.

Men from Kells, Connor, Portglenone, Ahoghill and Cullybackey have taken their place alongside singers from the central Ballymena area.

Their conductors have included Robert McMullan, Robert McQuillian, Dr. Harry Uprichard, Tom McNeill and currently George Knowles from Cullybackey.

Over the years, they have been accompanied by pianists, Dr. Iris Millar, Jane Laverty and currently Sandra Lynn, who hails from Portglenone.

The choir’s next task will be to lead an Evening of Praise in Kells Presbyterian Church on Friday, March 6, at 7.30pm.

Members of the congregation’s own choir will be lending a hand as will Irene Thompson from Ahoghill.

An offering will be taken in support of a building project which members of the Church are planning to take part in at the Good News Hospital in Mandritsara, Madagascar.

A light supper will be served afterwards.