‘God’s Trombones’ coming to Longs church Feb. 25

Chesterfield Missionary Baptist Church in Longs is partnering with Sweet Vereen Gilliard Productions to bring a performance of James Weldon Johnson’s “God’s Trombones: Seven Negro Sermons in Verse” to Horry County on Saturday, Feb. 25, 2017.

Written by Johnson in 1927, “God’s Trombones” honors the old-time African American preacher. Set in a small church, the show acts out seven scripture lessons, using local pastors from surrounding churches, according to a release from Chesterfield Missionary Baptist Church.

The interpretation of Johnson’s work is interwoven with soul stirring song and dance performances by Ted Martin and the 40-member Gospel Music Workshop Choir and musicians, Zeb Harrison and Sounds of Praise 10-member trombone ensemble, all from Charlotte, N.C., and The Hands of Praise dancers of Mt. Calvary #2 Missionary Baptist Church in Little River.

Johnson’s work is produced by Donald Gilliard of Georgetown, who has chosen this area to present his production to pay homage to his grandmother, Sweet Ernestine Vereen Gilliard, who was born and lived in the Poplar/Wampee community and to celebrate family heritage, according to the release.

Revenues from the production, under the leadership of Rev. James R. Matthew, will help support a proposed multi-purpose community building dedicated to education, recreation and empowerment.

This story was originally published December 13, 2016 at 6:30 PM with the headline "‘God’s Trombones’ coming to Longs church Feb. 25."