9 MARCH 2018 BODY OF CHRIST NEWS 47th Syl Morgan-Smith Gospel Academy Awards The red carpet was rolled out for individuals in the community dur- ing one of Denver’s biggest awards shows. It was the 47th Annual Dr. Syl Morgan-Smith Colorado Gospel Music Academy and Hall of Fame Awards on Sunday, Feb. 11. Syl Morgan-Smith put the spotlight on those who have made a difference in the community. But she also praised and honored pastors and choirs who seem to out shine this past year. And she isn’t tired yet and wants to continue recognizing those in the Christian Community. She is already planning for the 50th gospel awards program. “I am waiting to see what God has in mind. This year he allowed us to have two workshop choirs and a nice souve- nir booklet. Every year he adds to our awards program,” said Syl Morgan- Smith. “I won’t forget the scripture that says, ‘If you want to be great then you must be a servant of all. And I love my job being a servant and prayer war- rior.’” This year’s awards program added for the first time a hall-of -famers cat- egory for those pastors who died this past year – Rev. Dr. Harrell Alexander of Bethesda Temple Church of God in Christ, Apostle Ralph E. Beechum Sr. of House of Joy Miracle Deliverance Church and Pastor Yvonne Emerson of Now Faith Christian Center Church. Also, a hall-of-famer inductee was Thandeka Tutu-Gxashe who is the daughter of the late Bishop Desmond Tutu. She was promoting the Bishop Desmond Tutu Desk Campaign to pro- vide educational portable desks for children around Africa. Speaking of the children, their per- formance during the gospel awards program had people rising to their feet with a standing ovation. The Colorado Gospel Music Academy’s Children’s Workshop Choir belted out songs like ‘On the Rock’ and ‘God is an Awesome God.’ Then the Denver Children’s Choir- Alpine Ensemble stole the show sing- ing in perfect blended harmony. The Gospel Music Academy presented the group with the Choir of the Year award. While the group of diverse children of different backgrounds sang; they were only one of seven choirs part of the Denver Children’s Choir. As the music director, Lisa Cameron, explained there are at least 300 chil- dren of different ages who make up the Denver Children’s Choir. “These kids that performed today are our younger kids. We have high school aged kids who will be touring to (Federal Republic) of Chavakia next year. And I will be taking a group to Cambodia this summer.” “The kids were overwhelmed to sing here today,” added Cameron who has overseen the musical direction of the group since it started in 1996. “I don’t think they were sure until they came here about getting an award. This was so special. When kids sing together they love each other. And the mission of Denver Children’s Choir is to bring children together who are from all walks of life.” Another individual surprised about receiving an award was Rev. Dr. Kraig Burleson of Loving Saints Christian Fellowship Church for being named Pastor of the Year. Ï am still trying to wrap my head around it, he said. “This is an honor. But there are so many in my opinion who are good pastors in our area, strong servants of the Lord.” Rev. Burleson’s work in the health arena – the faith-based health care center at 3800 York Street - has helped many underserved without health care was one reason he received the prestigious honor. “We serve more than 20,000 patients a year and expanding. Over 40 percent of the people who come to the (health care) center are from outside the city and county of Denver.” Being named Church of the Year was a big milestone for Denver Park Hill 7th Day Adventist Church. The church has been in the Denver Park Hill area for nearly 60 years. “I am very proud of my congregation. The Denver Park Hill 7th Day Adventist Church is a phenomenal church to pastor. They have been anchored in the community for many years doing outreach, addiction recovery and com- munity service,” said Pastor Dr. Robert Davis who has been the senior pastor for the past two years. He is originally from Washington D.C. “One of my philosophies is collabo- ration and working with organizations and churches in the community,” he stated. Syl Morgan-Smith said she is so grateful to the people of Denver for not letting her down and coming out in full support of her gospel awards program. “We had more than 20 pastors here, pastors’ wives, politicians, educators, you name it, they came. And the chil- dren that were here. Our organization is to preserve, perpetuate and present; and for everyone to understand that gospel music is an important compo- nent of our culture and history.” “It’s about presenting God’s people.” During the 47th gospel music acade- my awards, Grammy, Stellar and Dove Award nominee singer Anita Wilson also performed. The local McDonalds owned by the Asfaw family also presented $1,000 scholarship each to Waladi Ali attend- ing Morehouse College and Marissa Murdock attending Baylor University. Other awards presented were: Mission and Outreach Award to Rev. MN Thomas; Servant to Seniors Award to Linda F. Donna; Military Service to Emmitt Searuggs; Good Health Award to Fit & NU Company; Leadership Award to Urban Leadership Foundation of Colorado; Life Coach and Humorist Award to Carol J. Smith; Church Layman Award to Leonard Malone; Business Innovator Award to Miller Ike Eickelberger; Women’s Advocate Award to Frances Jefferson; Community Service Award Charles Chuck Moss; Achievement Award to Jehn-ai Jackson; Group of the Year Award to Coterie; Trailblazer Award to Dr. Agnes Martin; Musicians of the Year Award to Jarel and Jeremy Ross; Soloist of the Year to Vanette Stewart; Music Director of the Year to Minister Hosea Cannon III; Business of the Year Award to Jackson Insurance Company; Colorado Living Legend Award to Ms. Albertine Sellers; Women -at -the- Cross Ministry Award to Rev. Dr. Reginald Holmes EVENT RECAP By Sheila Smith