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Dr. Mattie Moss Clark - 50 Years

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Uploaded by on Nov 25, 2008

Re-upload....it was taken down the first time...here it is again...Let's celebrate Dr. Clark's life:

Born the seventh of nine children to Fred Moss and Mattie J. Walker in Selma, Alabama, she began playing the piano when she was six years old. By 12, she became the musician for her mother's services at the Church of Christ and Prayer. After high school, she attended Selma University and received training in classical music and choral singing. In addition, she continued to travel with her mother and play at her mission services.

She moved to Detroit in 1947 to be with her sister Sybil Burke and became a member of Greater Love Tabernacle Church of God in Christ. There, under the leadership of Bishop W. Rimson, she was baptized in the Holy Ghost and subsequently became the Minister of Music. She served an historic tenure as Minister of Music for both Southwest Michigan Jurisdiction and Bailey Temple Church of God in Christ, under Bishop John Seth Bailey. Soon when she was in demand to train choirs at churches throughout the brotherhood of COGIC. She married her first husband, Mr. Cullum, and that union produced two children: Leo and Jacqueline. Her next marriage was to Elder Elbert Clark, and unto their union four daughters were born: Denise, Elbernita (known as "Twinkie"), Dorinda and Karen. Gospel singer J. Moss is her nephew.

In 1958, she recorded "Going to Heaven to Meet the King", with the Southwest Michigan State Choir, becoming the first person to commit the sounds of a choir to record. She was also the first person to separate vocal parts into soprano, alto and tenor. She received three gold albums with the Southwest Michigan State Choir, and went on to write and arrange hundreds of song and recorded over 50 albums.

She directed Cadillac Motor Company's Christmas choir for 11 years and also conducted community-wide mass choirs for the prestigious NAACP Freedom Fund Dinners. In 1979, she founded the Clark Conservatory of Music in Detroit, which established itself as one of the most prestigious schools of its kind in the country. In 1981, Trinity College] in Pennsylvania conferred upon her one of their highest honors, the degree of Doctor of Humanity . After the death of Bishop Bailey in 1985, she continued as State Minister of Music for Southwest Michigan Jurisdiction #1, attending Greater Mitchell Church of God in Christ, under Bishop J.H. Sheard. She was also one of the editors and contributors to the hymnal published by the Church of God in Christ entitled, Yes, Lord.

When the late Bishop J.O. Patterson appointed her the International President of the Music Department in 1968, she worked to instill within musicians and choirs a responsibility to Christ as well as capability for Christ. Throughout her efforts, young people especially received her and many were saved, and uplifted by her music and message.

She completely revolutionized the music departments. She gave definition to the role of State Minister of Music, traveled year-round to every state in the country conducting workshops, rehearsals and musicals to prepare choirs for service on the National Church level and organized the structure of the National Music Convention of the Church of God in Christ. Dr. Clark introduced the workshop and seminar concept to the convention, and, along with her staff, structured classes for the convention and created "A Star Is Born", the program where new talent was introduced before thousands.

As her health declined, Dr. Clark never lost the fire and passion for her mission. An accomplished musician, arranger, composer, leader, director, teacher and exemplary woman of God, Dr. Clark died on September 22, 1994.

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Uploader Comments (lblu32)

  • where can i get some of these veidos of dr clarck pleas let me know.

  • @1cogicprophet they are all over youtube. When you have a free day just search 'Mattie Moss Clark' and tons of stuff will come up, it'll take some time for it'll be so worth it

  • God Bless you for this posting

  • Well thank you...

    I wanted to do this because I feel like it is very easy for us, as Christians and listeners of Gospel music, to move forward in music production and whatnot and never look back to acknowledge and appreciate those who started it all. Dr. Clark laid the foundation for the Gospel music that we now hear today and I wanted to show appreciation for the sacrifices that she made.

Top Comments

  • This needs to be shown to the WHOLE COGIC Music Department!!! This made me tear up.

  • Mama Clark sound like Dorinda!!! She is def Dr. Mattie Moss Clark jr!!

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All Comments (40)

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  • at 3:00 it is almost scary. Dorinda sounds just lke her mom.

  • @jessicalm145 i know right Legacy!!!

  • Do yall hear that perfect harmony... No flaws I love it Perfection

  • I'm from St. Louis, Mo and grew up C.O.G.I.C. Dr. Mattie Moss Clark came before I was born and taught a choir my mother was in @ the time and gave some very encouraging words to my mom about her holding down the soprano section. My mom told me this story and I thought it was significant bcuz my mom had a beautiful soprano voice and we all know that Dr. Clark was no joke when it came to musicianship and voice. Now they r both in Heaven 2gether worshiping around the throne of Jesus.

  • rip my profeet

  • Omggggggggggggggggggg- close your eyes and hear Dorinda alll day long! Love it! Posterity

  • love it

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