Michelle Bollman, news editor, also contributed to this story.

After 40 years of worship, Evangelistic Singers’ mission remains the same, to glorify God through song and find a heart of worship.

The celebration that EVS plans to hold is no different than the purpose of Homecoming altogether, to share memories between alumni and current members.

“EVS was created by a small group of students who wanted to sing black gospel music, but could not because there was no choir that sang that type of music,” choir Historian, Meredith Lourdermilk said. “The members of this ensemble would find churches to go to, and they would just all get together and sing. This was not a choir associated with Lee University at all. It was not a class and there was no class credit for it. However, after more students joined the choir, and the school saw that there was a high interest in this particular choir, the school decided to make EVS a class and give credit for it.”

The choir seeks to evangelize by performing to audiences such as churches, communities and in inner city outreaches.

“We are on stage to focus on worship, not put on a show. We strive to reach the hearts of the people, it’s our ministry,” choir president Dawn Boyd said. “We want to get everyone going.”

Boyd has been a member of EVS for three years, has seen two different directors and is currently serving her first year as the president of EVS.

EVS worships through traditional and contemporary black gospel music, spreading the word of Christ through song, Boyd said.

In the last 40 years, the choir has traveled across the United States as well as to countries such as the Bahamas, Bermuda, Virgin Islands and the Caribbean singing and helping at churches and community events.

According to Boyd, they are about kick-starting worship in the hearts of everyone they meet.

Boyd said her fondest memory with the choir was a trip to Pascagoula, Miss., following Hurricane Katrina. The group stayed a church that was hit by the hurricane and spent their days helping the community around them by cleaning up, cooking food and passing out fliers for a food drive and benefit concert.

“Seeing their faces so full of joy when they were receiving things, despite all that they had lost…is something that I’ll never forget.” Boyd said.

This weekend, EVS will be celebrating their 40-year milestone through meetings, greetings and a whole lot of singing.

“It is an honor and a privilege to be a part of a legacy that has spanned throughout four decades,” said choir director, Rodney Gipson. “I’m rejoicing in the years that God has brought us and excited about the years to come.”

Previous EVS members are scheduled to return to Lee on Friday to meet the current members and have fellowship with one another. On Saturday the old and the new will come together for a luncheon and rehearsal during which they will practice together for the Music Festival at 7 p.m. in the Conn Center.

Sunday is the choir’s anniversary concert during which EVS will sing at Pleasant Grove Baptist Church in Cleveland.

“There isn’t a time when EVS people get together that the name of Jesus doesn’t pop up into conversation.” said Catilyn Wright, student director of EVS.
The Evangelistic Singers’ goal in every venue is to seek and save the lost through their song ministry.