The Tried Stone Young Adult Choir music ministry.  Photo: Urban News

By Johnnie Grant

Praises went up and blessings came down as Tried Stone Young Adult Choir celebrated its 50th anniversary recently. 

Under the leadership of J. Cornell Proctor, Minister of Music, the choir rendered powerful and songful praises to a standing-room-only audience. Marching to their choir theme song “Enter His Gates,” by Timothy Wright, the musical ministry sang old gospel hymns including  “The Blood,” “God IS Standing By,” and for the young people, “Yes To My Lord.” A good time in the Lord was shared by all.

The Tried Stone Young Adult Choir was formed in July of 1960 when a group of young people gathered for worship through song and praise. Today, the 38-member choir has traveled on its musical ministry to Tennessee, South Carolina, Ohio, Missouri, Florida, Georgia, Alabama, and Virginia.

The choir has recorded with such gospel greats as Lynn Nabors and Grover Norwood, and has appeared in concert with the Reverend Isaac Douglas, The Walter Hawkins Family, Luther Barnes, and John P. Kee. The ensemble has received numerous awards for its achievements in gospel music including the “Gold Note Award” presented by the Central Optimist Club; Soloist of the Year, presented to Carolyn McClellan by WNC Gospel Music Workshop; and the Western Carolina University Mountain Heritage Award.

With the church filled to capacity, area residents enjoy the Tried Stone Young Adult Choir music ministry.  Photo: Urban News