2. What are the similarities and differences of
musical expressions between the 8:00am and
10:45am worship services at Bethel African
Methodist Episcopal Church?
What accounts for these similarities and
differences?
3. Interviewed Hon. Mr. Reggie McKnight,
President Eau Claire Community Council and
former Male Chorus Member
Interviewed First Lady Rev. Carolyn
Brailsford, Minister of Music and Director of
Worship and Arts Department
Conducted to observations on January 29 and
February 5
4. Founded 1866
Church served as site of the Howard School,
the only African American high school in
Columbia during the early twentieth century
Erected new church edifice on corner of
Sumter and Taylor Streets
Currently own old Shandon Baptist Church
building
5. Children’s Choir-9-13 members
Vocal Ensemble
Cappella style modeled after Fisk Jubilee Singers
Sing mostly hymns and arranged spirituals
Sanctuary Choir
Largest choir
Sing more praise and worship style music
Greater balance of voices
6. Inspirational Choir
Consist of members of the Sanctuary Choir
Sing only at 8:00 service
Male Chorus
9-14 members
Quartet style
“The Male Chorus may not be able to hold a tune.
But we get up and sing with them because these
are our men and were proud.” – Rev. Carolyn
Brailsford
7. In the 1920s beginning with Thomas Dorsey
and the Pentecostal movement gospel music
began to be incorporated alongside hymns in
worship services.
Since then there has been a debate within the
black church on what is the appropriate type
of music to be sung during worship service
8. Bethel AME Church is able to successfully
blend traditions of black church gospel and
hymns through the style of music each choral
ensemble sings
The similarities and differences within the
styles of music can be accounted for by the
similarities and differences in the different
choral ensembles
