Tribute To First Church of Deliverance- "I Called On The Lord"

[glasscitadel12]

They just don't sound like this no more...

[maestro1ization]

Elizabeth Hall, Uncle Ralph and Big Fred...my, my, my what a team...

[OverseerJTSC]

WOW its defintely different sound today.

[Hightea22]

I CALL ON THE LORD, AND GOT AN ANSWER....Music by Virginia Davis...Lyrics by John Allen...copyright a1950 by john allen. Can be found in Golden Gospel Songs Vol.1 Published by Martin and Morris Music, Inc (out of business) Check Library of Congress catalog.

[TheFirecogicuk]

For those who do not know this is where song writer Kenneth Morris was the minister of music , he created the piano and organ sound which became popular in gospel music durinig the 40s,50 & 60s. Mahalia Jackson was first to have the piano & organ sound recorded on rev W.H Brewster's move on up a little higher.

[TheFirecogicuk]

Kenneth Morris worked along side Sallie martin on the pubishing house. Kenneth was born 1916 died 1988 Sallie was born 18996 died 1988.

[OrganJKT]

Who was the composer of "I Called On The Lord?"

[laarbe]

I have always loved this song. Thanks for the post. Yes I have called on the Lord and I got an answer.

[momoashley]

What radio station is the service being broadcast over and is it available on the internet. For the past 3 weeks it has been changed. May God Keep Them On The Air Till He Comes Back In The Air!!!

[r0ckg]

I sing this song at our church in Alabama! I love this song, it speaks bounds to the soul. Thanks for posting this.

[kingdombread]

Wow!! Thanx a lifetime for posting this! This is the Bridge that this Generation is lacking...please keep our bridge before us my Brother! Please post some more...

[vocalvessel]

I sang this there a few weeks ago!

[rondell922]

I am in the process of writing a book about this great church and there music department

[Gospeljdb]

Wonderful! This is the home of many greats, Irma Gyynn, Sallie Martin, Ear "Fatha" Hines, Fleecie Jordan, wife of louis jordan the great Jazz musician. Preacher as Rev. Clarence Cobbs was called and Julia Mae Kennedy w/ Ralph GoodPasteuer were visionaries beginning in the 30's and FCD alway's had an open door for Gospel Music. Thank God for laying the foundation! Many people sing this new day stuff, but couldn't even tell you whwere it came from. FCD was a trailblazer!

[ElderPinkerton]

Did FCD ever send any singers to Miracle Valley? I have a recording of Bro. Allen's label that has this same song and sounds like the same lead singer. Very exciting!

[Tujones72]

WonderFul! Just WonderFul! Wish we did more of these great numbers like before! Where is this church located?

[jholyghosthead]

in chicago ill on wabash and 43rd streets

[fri21Dec2012]

thank you for posting this song. want to echo tryphenia7's request for the lyrics. have they been posted on the internet somewhere?

[XavierKennesaw1]

Thanks for the choir's anniversary info. It was an amazing service. I didn't realize that churches still had choirs like this. I knew that when practically the entire packed sanctuary began to rejoice and magnify God during the choir's Lord's Prayer, this was going to be some service. And it was. Bishop Houston's message topped it off. I wish I lived in Chicago, after experiencing this.

[VantisDoroHall]

The radio broadcast is on gospel1390, Listen Live, at 11:00 PM every Sunday. But it depends on which time zone you live in. It is heard at 12:00 midnight if you live in the eastern time zone, etc.

[VantisDoroHall]

October 26, 2008 (5 PM) is the First Church of Deliverance Adult Choir's 78th Anniversary. If anyone can post "Come On, Children, Let's Sing" by this choir, it would be a great way of honoring this choir's many years of music ministry. For more than 30 years, this choir sang on a "live" radio braodcast at 11 PM every Sunday night. Few choirs have been so dedicated and committed. They set the standard for music ministry, in my opinion.

[19171969]

Yes, many of FCD members are at CUT. Ask them why! We need new leadership.

[Tryphenia7]

I need the words to this song.

[Monk3597]

Truly one day I did call on the Lord and I did get an answer, praises to God almighty.

[bellydancer1970]

i really like this song, great posting.

[bellydancer1970]

do you remember the dark complexion sister in the choir that had the light grey eyes.

what was her name? she was so cool.

[VantisDoroHall]

Not really. Actually, I came along long after the choir's heyday. But I knew many members who shared much of the church's history with me, and Uncle Ralph loved sharing historical information, as well.  Pastor Hall is another person who knows the choir's history as few do. Prior to Rev. Cleveland's popularity, this choir was THE exponent of choral gospel due to its WCFL radio broadcast, which cold be heard in 27 states and beyond (depending on weather conditions). Its influence was great.

[bellydancer1970]

i'm from Greater Harvest, so you know i know about First Church. In the late 70's early 80's you there was a lady with the light grey eyes, Fred Nelson 3 would play @ the 1100 service on sunday's, what a treat! You folks have chicago landmark status; you know.

[VantisDoroHall]

The new pastor of Greater Harvest, Rev. Eric Thomas, used to play for First Church, and Fellowship, too. First Church and Greater Harvest were always very close. You can get the First Church broadcast over the internet- 11:00, although the service is recorded at 7:00 PM on Sundays now. I remember the excitement of the live 11:00 broadcasts in the late 70's and early 80's. There was the Fellowship Broadcast at 9:00. At 10:30, many went from Fellowship across the Dan Ryan to First Church.

[jnl1963]

Could you please tell me exactly how to listen to the broadcast on the internet? The URL/website, times, etc. I miss hearing it, listened for years while living in the Chicago area, now live out of state. Thanks.

[aijuswanasing06]

I was in Chicago this summer and went to a 7pm service at First church and then a 3rd sunday musical at Greater Harvest that night. The music at both were outstanding.

[VantisDoroHall]

I just found out her name. It is Shirley.  She designed one of the album covers.

[bellydancer1970]

Rev Thomas and i grew up together under Rev Bracken. he told me some years back that you all started doing it early. i'm coming to a 7 pm, sunday service before the summer is over.

[VantisDoroHall]

Also, make plans to attend the choir's anniversary, October 26, 2008 at 5 PM.

[bellydancer1970]

I remember those summer sunday nights back in the 70's @ 11:00pm services @ Preacher's.

[VantisDoroHall]

The legendary First Church had a membership of 19,000 + in the late 50's and early 60's, reportedly. But its sanctuary held only between 1,500 and 2000 at the very most. Many Chicago churches were impacted by First Church being one of the first mega churches, including Trinity UCC, where Rev. Cobbs sent some of his members to help the young Rev. Wright. However, none of these churches matched the depth of the music ministry of First Church, although some did have very popular choirs.

[jonesyl15]

Thanks for this post. I belonged to this church as a child. Funny thing, as an adult, I belong to CUT and most of the congregation their originally came from FCD. Peace & God Bless.

[mspoonie21]

I CAN REMEMBER MY MOTHER SINGING THIS!

[72apostolic8]

this is one of my favorite churches whenever i'm in the chicagoland area

[AnthonyMarkT]

THANK YOU so much for this tribute! I have loved this church for many years and they will always be deeply in my heart.

[AJLD1]

What a powerful choir!!! Saints, we need to GO BACK!!!

[Rowoches]

Sho'nuff!

[danavideofilm]

Evangelist Amelia Anderson left FCOD to found the Boosters for Christ youth movement in Chicago. Her protogé was Richard Henton who later married her daughter Faye. This man (my minister) is Apostle Dr. Richard D. Henton, founding pastor of the Monument of Faith Deliverance Center (later Evangelistic Church).

They were the premier "Negro" religious radio broadcast in Chicago. They still broadcast and have been airing, I think, for 50 years!

[Snowhill3]

The 1st 8 seconds is just...OMG!!!

[Snowhill3]

Who's beasting on the Hammond!!?

[VantisDoroHall]

Most likely, either Fred Nelson, Jr. or Ralph Jones (who also played for Mahalia Jackson) is playing the B-3 Hammond organ. I believe they both played for the church during this period. Wait until you hear "Jesus Lifted Me". You have never heard the organ played like that, I am sure.

[1joker88]

i always what happened to that ralph jones!

[1joker88]

*wondered*

[VantisDoroHall]

I believe Ralph Jones passed away back in the '70's. He was not playing at First Church at the time, however. Fred Nelson retired and relocated. He passed away just a few years ago. His son, the III, carries on the tradition through various venues in Chicago. His daughter has her ministry, as well. First Church has a rich legacy with regard to its contribution to the expansion of Gospel music, its commitment to the community, and its example of Christ's love of all people. Bravo!

[1joker88]

thank you so much!

[VantisDoroHall]

It is good to know that First Church is remembered and honored in this way. This church has touched many lives. I recall being told that Dave Weston played the organ on the recording the First Church ensemble did with Nat Cole. I don't know if he ever played at the church, or on this LP recording of the choir, but it is a possibility, I suppose. This recording has many songs made popular through the weekly Sunday night broadcast. The songs, soloists, and choir are extraordinary.

[bellydancer1970]

Ralph Goodpastor?

[VantisDoroHall]

Uncle Ralph made his transition Jun 22,'96. You can see him on YouTube with Robert Anderson and others (early 90's). His composition "Joybells" is on this album, as well as "To me, It's So Wonderful." The latter song was heard worldwide when Mahalia Jackson recorded it, and Ethel Waters also sang it on a Billy Graham Televised Crusade. "Joybells", with its beat, harmony, call and response within the choir, and high soprano parts, rocks gospel services to this day. He's a Gospel Music legend.

[michaeldavio]

Anyone know who is on the organ?

[AnthonyMarkT]

Ralph Goodpasteur. Long gone still nearby!

[jamminondakeys]

The Gospel Choir at my church used to sing this song. This is my first time hearing another choir d=sing it. Wonderful.

[PrettyVillan]

this is one of my favorite songs

[voicesTenor1]

My grandmother use to take all 7 of her grand children to First Church of Deliverance. You brought back great memories. I remeber being in the childrens church on easter sundays. God Bless

[rondell922]

This is one of the originals churches to broadcast, they have been broadcasting for over 74 years, at the 11 o'clock at night, they was the first church to use a hammond organ back in the early 30's. This church has a rich legacy, they have recorded with Nat King Cole and others, founded by the late rev Clarence H Cobbs (Preacher) There legacy is so great, The late great Ralph Goodpastuer aka Uncle Ralph was the minister of music forever, God bless the memory of First Church Of Deliverance

[whatuwatchingjoe]

The Late Kitty Parham from the Clara Ward Singers and the Stars of Faith recorded this in the early 90's with the Philadelphia Mass Choir.

[appetancy]

One of the hugest contraltos in gospel history, Elizabeth Hall.

[vocalvessel]

Lord this is one of my favorites from 1st Church

[mintdc]

SANG CHIL'REN!!!! They still sing this at my church back home in Alabama... talking about some shoutin' saints!

[Rowoches]

My Lawd, my Lawd!!! They are SANGIN, ain't they? LOL!