This year the Atlanta Masonic’s 80th Anniversary is going to be something you do not want to miss. This year’s 2 day annual event spear headed by choir members JT Adams and Dinah Washington, they have brought in former and guest directors Kenny Lowe and Reginal Jefferson to help render some of the choirs most memorable music pieces from the present to the past.
The Atlanta Masonic Choir gives new meaning to the words of Jesus Christ in Matthew 16:18 which states, "on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it". For 80 years, The Atlanta Masonic Choir has continued to persevere and minister in song. Known for the sheer power of its rich sound, the choir continues to share its love of traditional Gospel music with people from all walks of life.
The Atlanta Masonic Choir was organized under the order of the Smooth Ashlar Grand Lodge by the late Mrs. Annie Ruth Lemons, who at that time served as the Grand Worthy Matron for the Order of Eastern Stars and was also a member of the Heroines of Jericho. The choir received its official start on April 2, 1942, with thirty four members at the home of Mrs. Emma Dunn. During this meeting, the following persons were elected officers in the newly organized Atlanta Masonic Choir: Mrs. Annie Snipes (President), Mrs. Cindy Thurmond (Secretary), Mrs. Emma Dunn (Supervisor), Mrs. Annie Ruth Lemons (Director), and Mrs. Viola Edwards (Pianist). The Atlanta Masonic Choir was originally organized for the purpose of singing and providing the music for all annual Smooth Ashlar Grand Lodge celebrations which included Saint John's Day and Grand Lodge Sessions. As the fame of the choir spread throughout the State of Georgia, the choir began singing for other Masonic Lodges and Courts, and the Order of Eastern Stars.
Since its inception, the choir has broadened its purpose by accepting appearances in various cities throughout the United States. Over the years they have received many trophies, plaques, proclamations and certificates for their participation, dedication, and services rendered throughout the City of Atlanta. Moreover, the choir has received several prestigious awards such as The Willie Kate Jones Humanitarian Award, The Grand Staff Award, The Atlanta Gospel Ministries Award for outstanding and dedicated service, The Gospel Hall Of Fame Award, and an award recognizing the choir as The Oldest Community Choir in the United States presented by Creative Gospel Inc. and The National Black College Workshop. In 2011, the choir received official recognition from the NCGCC for its years of continuous service and dedication to the Gospel music industry.
As a community based choir, the choir has continued to provide programs designed to uplift the teachings of Jesus Christ through song. All members serve on a voluntary basis committed to spreading God's message in song in churches throughout the United States, in addition to establishing a most love filled Christian fellowship throughout the State of Georgia. The Atlanta Masonic Choir proudly maintains a rich tradition of family, a sincere love for Gospel music ministry, and faithful service to God. In fact, each choir member embraces the choir as an extension of his/her natural family. Tenure in the choir ranges from one to more than forty years. Of the various spiritual advisers to the choir, the Rev. John E. Butler, Sr., pastor of Faith Temple Missionary Baptist Church, in Atlanta, has continued to serve as the Spiritual Advisor to the choir since 1976.
Through the years the choir has been involved in numerous community projects, rendering music and serving as volunteers for social causes. Some of the community projects in which the choir has participated and supported through the years include: the following: Hosea Williams Feed the Hungry, Atlanta AIDS Walk, Muscular Dystrophy Walk, Breast Cancer Awareness, Huntington's disease, Toys for Tots, and a Holiday Adopt a Family in partnership with DFACS. In 1978 the Atlanta Masonic Choir became affiliated with the Gospel Music Workshop of America, Inc., founded by the late Rev. James Cleveland. The choir also became affiliated with National Convention of Gospel Choirs and Choruses (NCGCC), founded by the late Thomas A. Dorsey.
The Atlanta Masonic Choir considers itself blessed and sincerely appreciative for its leadership and guidance. Through the years several people have led this choir through adversity and to great heights. Past presidents include Mrs. Annie Snipes, Mrs. Annie Ruth Lemons, Mrs. Mary Bell, Mrs. Geraldine Harris, Mrs. Lois Cartan, Mr. Charles Brown, Mrs. Ruth Lemons (who served the choir as president for nineteen years), Deacon Paire Robinson, Bishop Kenyatta Arnette, Mr. Anthony Harris, Mrs. M. Jean Wilson, and Ms. Rosalyn Goolsby, the current president.
Although Mrs. Annie Ruth Lemons served as the founder, she also served as one of the choir directors from 1942 1959, and then again from 1967 1970. Past directors of the choir have included: Mrs. Annie Ruth Lemons (founder), Mr. Gerald Smith, Mr. Bobby Character and Mr. Wilbert Lemons (both sons of Mrs. Annie Lemons). The choir accomplished many things and broadened its horizons with Wilbert as the director from 1970 2002. At its inception, the choir was intended to house members of the Eastern Star and Masonic Orders; however, Wilbert was instrumental in opening membership to the general public who shared in the vision and ministry of the Atlanta Masonic Choir. After the death of our beloved, Wilbert, the choir was directed by Rev. Ezell Ealey, followed by Kenneth "The Maestro" Lowe Despite changes in leadership through the years, the choir continues to persist.
Although the choir never achieved national recording status or notoriety, the choir recorded and released a single in the late 1970's and was also featured on an album with Mildred Clark and the Melodiaires in 1980 entitled, "I'm Gonna Tell Everybody “On the Savoy label. However, the choir was blessed to make its first CD project release in September 2000, entitled "Been So Good" under the able and creative directorship Mr. Wilbert Lemons. Wilbert was a choir director extraordinaire who served as director for more than thirty years. His unique directing style and soulful sound captured audiences everywhere. Even after suffering a series of strokes and other health issues, Wilbert continued directing and leading the Atlanta Masonic Choir to higher heights until his death in January 2002. The CD was a blessing to listening audiences. In fact, in 2001, the Choir received the Gospel Choice Awards for "Song of The Year" for its title track "Been So Good" and "Best Choir of the Year". That same year, the director, Mr. Wilbert Lemons received the award for "Director of The Year". The Atlanta Masonic Choir remains grateful to God for the opportunity to release such a wonderful project
Philadelphia, Pa. Tracy Shy Simmons is no stranger to Gospel music. Her voice is widely known as the lead singer for the iconic Grammy nominated and multi-Stellar award winning Wilmington Chester Mass Choir. At age 18, she joined the Wilmington Chester Mass Choir and soon powerfully and preciously led classis songs we have grown to love like “Over There”, “All Is Well” and more.
Tracy has also appeared in Tyler Perry’s hit stage play “Behind Closed Doors”, Bishop T.D Jakes’ “Woman Thou Art Loosed”, and has toured London, Switzerland, South America and Scandinavian countries.
Outside of her work with the Wilmington Chester Mass Choir, Tracy has recorded three solo albums: TRACY SHY - LIVE (1995), HIGHLY FAVORED (2000), and SO MUCH MORE (2006). She returned to recording recently and digitally released a new single, “YOU LOVE ME”.
“YOU LOVE ME” embodies Tracy’s vocal acuity, soulful delivery, and perfect execution of a great Gospel song. The song was produced by J. Anthony Simmons and released by Agape Muzik Group, launched by Tracy and J. Anthony in 2020.
Listen to “You Love Me” (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tos4s7QpVRg)
In Tracy’s own words, “I am a born singer. It was never a thought or desire. It was God’s plan for me.”
Her calling and gift is her voice. But, Tracy is also an evangelist, an entrepreneur, a humanitarian, a wife, and a mother. As an evangelist, she prefers to speak individually; however, she has expanded nationally and abroad. As an entrepreneur, Tracy is a publisher to a digital magazine Victorious Magazine. This year, she launched the magazine to support and esteem trailblazers to maximize their fullest potential and exceed their desired dreams through advertisement and marketing endeavors.
From her early days of commanding the stage with an iconic choir, to evangelizing God’s Word in church or online today, Tracy is a woman of many talents who continues to expand her territory. To learn more and hear more about Tracy, visit TracyShy Simmons.com.
Singer Tracy Shy Simmons, Former Lead Singer of Wilmington Chester Mass Choir, Thrives As A Solo Artist and Entrepreneur
Tracy Shy Simmons Releases “You Love Me”
Single and Victorious Magazine in 2021
PreDestined Gospel Singers was founded in 2012 by Patricia Whittington. In May of 2021, it will be 9 years together. PreDestined Gospel Group consists of Patricia Whittington, Donita Gibson, Gloria Taylor, Marilynn Johnson, and Kimberly Johnson. The group currently resides in different areas of Michigan. We currently have a TV show on The Now Network called PreDestined Gospel Show that airs every Friday at 3pm EST. Our first project is titled Turn It Around which was released in 2020. Our newest single was released on February 20th, 2021 that is titled Standing in the Need. This single was produced by the record label DOAM Music Group. We are currently working on a CD which be released in Spring of 2021.
PreDestined Gospel Singers, under the S&M Gospel Indie Awards, has been nominated for four categories: Record of the Year Traditional, Group of the Year Traditional, Female Quartet of the Year, and Best New Artists. We were also nomnated for the Gospel Choice Music Awards under two categories: Group/ Duo/Community Choir of the Year and
a group,
is our vision and passion
people from all walks of life. We hope that our spirits and music
bring them into a closer relationship with Jesus Christ.
hearts
Since the start of 2015, the contemporary gospel/worship artist and Detroit native Paul Bill Jr. has been writing, recording and producing a sound that is fresh and energetic.
The Road to Salvation
While previously living a secular lifestyle; Paul first encountered the love of God at the age of 21. “I can still remember the sound of the car slamming into the guard rail on the highway.” Paul says. “It was as if in that moment, God was giving me a wake up call to turn my life around. But the realization didn’t hit me until driving the highway again. I found out, I had fallen asleep at the only place a guard rail would prevent me from driving off the road. Or worse. Hitting oncoming traffic.” In that moment, Paul realized that it was only God who was guarding and protecting him. That day, Paul made the decision to turn his life to God, and accept Jesus as Lord and Savior.
Music Career
In the of Fall 2021, after independently releasing two studio albums; Paul released his Debut single titled “Move” which released on internet radio and received nominations for Song of the Year with: The Rhythm of Gospel Awards, Gospel Choice Music Awards, and Voices of Gospel Music Awards. Continuing to create and produce, Paul would go on to release the E.P. “Alive in the Room” with MSR. Paul has shared some of Gospel Music’s biggest platforms with artists such as; Todd Dulaney, Tasha Cobbs Leonard, Jonathan McReynolds, Isaac Carree, Vincent Bohannon, Rich Tolbert and many more. What makes Paul unique, is that he has had the opportunity to minister for every audience imaginable. He has sang for small churches and conferences, to audiences of thousands.
What’s Next
Daily, Paul is working to create fresh and energetic music that can remind the next generation of how exciting it can be to worship! Recently teaming with DrGlobal and GME, Paul’s next release is titled “Forever” which tells the story of why we worship, because of who God is. The song is a modern, dynamic and a vibrant sound that belongs in your praise and worship playlist!
With the help of his team, the love and support of his wife Rahab, the drive for his 2 children, and a passion for doing things with excellence, there is no telling how far the ministry of Paul Bill Jr. can reach. Finally he adds. “My mission is to use this platform as a vehicle to introduce the lost, hurting and broken to the same love of God that found me. My desire is that everyone would have a unique encounter with Jesus through worship. I am dedicated to sharing the gospel, working hard and creating music. I believe with this dedication, I can impact lives, inspire hope and leave a legacy to last a lifetime.”
Urban Contemporary Gospel Artist Paul Bill Jr. Releases 'Forever'
Urban Contemporary Gospel recording artist Paul Bill Jr. is a worshipper at heart with a desire to see others worship God in Spirit and Truth. Paul released his debut EP ALIVE IN THE ROOM in April this year. He is now releasing a new praise and worship single, "Forever". “Forever” can be deemed a song from heaven that shifts the atmosphere and ignites others to give glory to the most high God. Through this single, Paul creates an energetic experience that can remind the next generation of how exciting it can be to worship. "Forever" is a vibrant anthem of praise, encouraging the nations to acknowledge and adore the King of Kings. It reminds us to praise God despite the odds in the world. Amid a devastating pandemic, loss of lives, war, increase in gas prices, and a downturn in the global economy, Paul Bill Jr. finds the courage to implore us to worship and praise God.
is available now on all digital outlets in partnership with Global Music Enterprises. You are invited to experience Paul Bill Jr., the new generation of worshippers, and brace yourself for lift-off when you press play.
Luminate and Mediabase Join Forces – WhatDoesthisMean?
Hey guys! Have you heard about Luminate and Mediabase joining forces? Well, it’s been trending throughout publications, blogs, and the infamous social media for some months now. This partnership will happen in December, but an actual date has not been published yet. First, let’s get acquainted with Luminate and Mediabase. Luminate, formerly known as Nielsen Music, is the company that houses the broadcast data systems (BDS) which reports to the Billboard charts. Most artists and entertainment execs are familiar with the BDS reporting and the Billboard charts. Luminate has several other entertainment components, but we’ll just focus on BDS for now. As for Mediabase, it is also a music data reporting service that publishes music charts, monitors radio countdowns, and televised award shows. So, in essence, there are two main music charts floating around, rating artists and their music. How would you know which chart is truly valid? Well, Luminate has decided to make it easier for all of us. They will now onlyuse Mediabase data to report to the Billboard radio charts, and other charts using radio data, including the Hot 100. Is it still a leveled playing field for the indie music community? Well, it depends on YOU!
Now that you know a little about these two companies, the question is: How will this partnership effect the indie music community? Well, some say, this is helpful to indie artists because the Mediabase charts are reviewed by many industry affiliates, from radio execs, record labels, publishers, promoters, retailers, artist managers, and more. These airplay charts are reviewed for trending and potentially up & coming artists. Not only are the artists visible on the Mediabase airplay charts, but they are also seen by Mediabase industry affiliates. According to some publishers, Mediabase has a bigger audience and well over 2500 current affiliates. Some execs say, it is the only product radio programmers know they can trust and rely on. This statement is a matter of opinion because we’ve been trusting the BDS Billboard charts for decades. The potential downfall of this partnership is that Mediabase do not track airplay from internet radio stations as of today. Well, it’s not a “potential downfall”, it’s a DOWNFALL! Many indie artists music plays on internet radio verses terrestrial and satellite. As it stands today with this partnership, your music will not be counted in the number for Billboard. What a bummer! If your desire is to make the Billboard charts, you will need to submit your music to a Mediabase reporting terrestrial radio or satellite radio to be counted in the numbers. We’ve asked questions of will the former BDS internet reporting stations ever be included in counting spins for Billboard. Unfortunately, there is no answer right now. Don’t lose hope. We will continue our research and keep our ears to the music industry streets. Hopefully Luminate and Mediabase will soon decide on how they will track all radio spins; terrestrial, satellite, and INTERNET.
Most of us are familiar with the Billboard charts. Now we must become familiar with the Mediabase charts. Luminate says they will now offer a more valued source of detailed, non biased, and sound entertainment data that drives our industry forward. WOW! This is a big change for us.
Only Constant
WHY IT MATTERS
Motivation is something that a lot of people try to hold onto. They rely on to stay consistent and get them to their goals. The problem with this is motivation fades. It always will. Dedication and discipline are more important success. Often times I find myself not wanting to remain on the course I am. The life I choose is inherently a hard one, and there come times when I question why I do this. Then I think back to day one “ If not me then who?”
Motivation is something that a lot of people try to hold onto. They rely on to stay consistent and get them to their goals. The problem with this is motivation fades. It always will. Dedication and discipline are more important success. Often times I find myself not wanting to remain on the course I am. The life I choose is inherently a hard one, and there come times when I question why I do this. Then I think back to day one “ If not me then who?”
Remembering why you start the journey is they key. If you remember why you started you’ll always find a way to finish. For me it was understanding that someone needs to make the bad guys out their in the world afraid of the dark. That’s my purpose. Without courage your never start. But without dedication, you’ll never finish. SubmittedbyR.Burnett
PUSH THROUGH & TRY ONE MORE TIME
Life is not always as it seems. We all make mistakes. Sometimes, we turn left when we should have gone right or maybe turned back when you should have went forward. Think of a hero or maybe a person that has inspired you, if you take a close look or asked them honestly, they’ll tell you, life is full of challenges and struggles. Those that succeed at life and business have learned how to keep going even when things aren’t going well. They don’t allow the setbacks and obstacles to cause them to give up and throw in the towel. Instead, they learn that failures and obstacles are ingredients that lead to success.
How did you get here? Was it a devastating life event that caused you to take a side step on your journey? Maybe a lack of support from those you thought would always be there. How about you never had anyone to encourage you to keep going. Or was it accidently following the wrong crowd and by the time you noticed, you were in trouble or too far behind? It could’ve been that you just didn’t care or maybe you didn’t see a way to your success in life. There could be a thousand reasons on why you’re here. At this point, what really matters is that you got HERE!
PUSH THROUGH & TRY ONE MORE TIME
Life is how you look at it. Thomas Edison once said “I have not failed. I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work.” Michael Jordan said “I’ve missed more than 9000 shots in my career. I’ve lost almost 300 games and 26 times, I’ve been trusted to take the game winning shot and missed. I’ve failed over and over and over again in my life. And that is why I succeed.”
Where you go from here is up to you, the sky is the limit. Possibilities are limitless. Today, your clock has been reset. If it’s a job, whatever job, work your hardest and best so that they notice whenever you’re not there. If it’s a new business, pour your all into it so you don’t have regrets wondering if you did enough. If its education, study hard, work hard and earn every degree that you desire. You can, and I know you can because you made it HERE! Have faith in what you and God can accomplish together.
PUSH THROUGH & TRY ONE MORE TIME
When the creator fashioned and designed us, He knew there’d be some obstacles along the way, I like to think that He is more proud of our successes. You’re built to succeed and He made sure you were equipped with everything that you need. So, from this day forward, I charge you to succeed, to never give up trying, to always try your best, and when you find a way that doesn’t work…… You Got This!
PUSH THROUGH & TRY ONE MORE TIME
Banana Pudding Funnel Cake Pudding Ingredients
1 pack Jello French vanilla instant pudding
1 pack Jello Cheesecake instant pudding
1 1/4 cup of plant based milk (I used almond)
Splash of banana extract (optional)
1 container of Kite Hill cream cheese
1 can of Nature’s Charm condensed milk
Half of a lemon squeezed
1 tub of vegan cool whip
Funnel cake ingredients (basic pancake mix)
2 cups of flour
3 TB sugar
2 TB of baking powder
1 tsp salt
1 1/2 cups of non dairy milk
2 TB apple cider vinegar
2 tsp of vanilla
1/4 cup apple sauce
1 TB oil
Mix all dry ingredients and in separate bowl Add milk, vinegar, vanilla, applesauce for wet
Quick version
2 cups Pancake mix (Aunt Jemima the one that doesn’t say complete is vegan)
1/4 of apple sauce is equivalent to one egg as replacement
2 TB oil
1 1/2 cup of plant based milk
Oil for frying
Topping
Lorna Doone cookies crumble, Reddy Whip almond milk, whipped cream and sliced bananas for topping
Directions
Add pudding mix, milk, and banana extract to a bowl and whisk until smooth. This is your base and should be placed in the fridge while you make the rest of ingredients.
To another bowl add cream cheese, condensed milk, and lemon juice. Whisk until smooth. Combine both mixtures until they are well incorporated. Then add cool whip but fold it into the mixture. Don’t over mix because you want an airy pudding. Add mix to a squeeze bottle to drizzle on top of funnel cake ( you can also use a spoon)
Combine all pancake ingredients and place them in a squeeze bottle. Drizzle the pancake mix in a circular motion starting from the middle.
Top with toppings of your choice and ENJOY!
Crabless Boudin Balls Balls
Box of @deliciou chicken (follow the box and add tsp of the creole seasoning mixture below)
1 cup of cooked rice
1/3 cup justegg
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
Tsp of vegan fish sauce
Chop a quarter of bell peppers, celery, onion, scallion, jalapeño (remove seeds or omit if you don’t like heat)
1/4 c artichoke hearts
1/2 cup jackfruit (triple washed and squeezed dry to remove the sour taste from the brine) season with creole seasoning mix below and set aside)
Dredge Station
Flour, @justegg w/plant based milk, seasoned panko breadcrumbs.
Cajun Remoulade Sauce
1/2 cup vegan mayo
Hellmann's mayonnaise is my fav Splash of vegan Worcestershire sauce 1 tsp sriracha
1 tsp capers
1/2 tsp fresh minced garlic
1 tsp Dijon mustard 1 tsp of @mtolivepickles sweet heat bread and butter pickles chopped
Small bunch of chopped parsley Splash of lemon juice
Drizzle of blue agave to cut the sour taste
1 tsp of seasoning blend 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
Seasoning Blend
1 TB of the following
@tonychacheres
Spicy Cajun style seasoning Dill weed
Kelp
Garlic old bay
Crushed red pepper (omit if not a fan of spice)
Black pepper
McCormick spice Salt free Garlic and herb
Recipe
