North Central College's Voices of Praise

Our first ever Gospel Extravaganza, began February 3rd, 1989 at 3pm (Brooks, North Central College Chronicle, ‘89). Back in the day, 31 years ago, a concert featuring NIU Black Choir, Mt. Olive Gospel Ensemble, and St. Mark’s United Methodist Inspirational Choir sang in what would be the beginning of a 32-year strong annual event in 2020. According to the digital archives of North Central College’s Oesterle Library, this historical concert is thought to have taken place at the Community United Methodist Church on Feb. 3rd or in January. The event would be sponsored by the Black Student Association and held off campus before the school began sponsoring the event. (Treadwell, North College Chronicle, ‘89). During Anti-Hate Week of 1999, Voices of Praised closed out the anti-hate vigil, “Carrying the Light,” following the candlelight march at Fort Hill at Koten Chapel on Tuesday, Oct. 26 . In which Tashona Marshal stated in The North Central Chronicle, “This chapel is a moving experience that will reclaim our campus against hate crimes. It is to pray for peace and it will offer emotion support for those who may have experienced hate crimes”. (Payne, North Central College Chronicle, ‘99). The event was organized by the Black Student Association and was picked up by Voices of Praise in 1991 according to North Central College’s Exhibit archives.

Events founded include the Martin Luther King Jr. breakfast as early as 1993 (North Central Now, ‘99). Today, the annual event takes place January 20th. The, the event was a full weekend event beginning with a public forum in WAC with the Minority Student Association, the well-known prayer breakfast with Youth of Praise, a Monday memorial in the Science Center, and the event was finally ended with a concert in Pfeiffer and candle light service in Koten Chapel.

The history and strength of Voices of Praise extends far back into the realm of North Central College’s archives within North Central Now and The Chronicle. We see the Voices of Youth of 1992, The Chosen of 1996, and Voices of Praise of 1997 and 2018. From their founders, alumni, the places they’ve traveled, and the students that lift their voices to the Lord today, Voices of Praise has been a long time part of North Central College history and culture. They perhaps will forever be a part of the school’s culture and student life in fellowship and music.

Reference

Brooks, Dawn. “Compact Chronicle.” North Central College Chronicle, 27 Jan. 1989, p. 1.

“Guiding.” North Central Now, 2008, p. 9.

Johnson, Valarie. “NCYOP choir spreads the gospel through its songs.” North Central College Chronicle, 13 Mar. 1992, p. 5.

North Central Now, North Central College News Magazine March 1999

North Central Now, North Central College News Magazine September 2002

“Outstanding Seniors Announced.” North Central Now, Sept. 2002, p. 6

Payne, Amber. “Anti-Hate Week prompts student action.” North Central College Chronicle, 22 Oct. 1999, p. 5.

Sloan, Kathy. “Gospel Choir Sings through Difficulties.” The Chronicle, 9 Mar. 1996, p. 5.

Treadwell, Chris. “Gospel Extravaganza in Pfeiffer tomorrow.” North Central College Chronicle, 23 Jan. 1989, p. 1.

Urbaniak, Tracie. “Events planned to honor King.” North Central College Chronicle, 15 Jan. 1993, p. 8.