In a historic service on May 28, the Washington Ghanaian Church in Hyattsville, Md. broke with tradition when their singing band debuted and dedicated their new, specially made robes. Singing bands are common in Ghana and usually sing in the local dialect and genres, as opposed to choirs, which generally sing hymns. These vocal bands do not wear robes like the choir, however, the Washington Ghanaian church wanted to show the equal and vital importance of both ministries.
Fueled by their desire to present themselves as fitting representatives to praise and honor God through song, members of the singing band and choir showed a united spirit by working together to plan the dedication ceremony. At the height of the service, visiting choirs from the two sister Ghanaian churches in Virginia, Woodbridge and North Virginia (NOVA), both donned their beautiful robes.
Interim church pastor, Kofi Antwi Adarkwa, cautioned members to keep their focus on their relationship to God. While beautiful man-made robes can enhance the atmosphere, the praise goes to God of the Universe in whose name they sing. He emphasized that the robes should signify a strong character and mindset of those singing, who can share an experience in which God’s presence can be felt. For this reason, singing band and choir members dedicated themselves as well.
Written by Margaret A. Attey,
Communications’ Department Director
Washington Ghanaian Seventh-day Adventist Church
