Cayman Islands’ John Gray choir really does ‘Come & Adore Him’

Georgina Wilcox

I was at John Gray Memorial Church, West Bay, Grand Cayman, last Sunday to watch the Encore Presentation by the Chancel Choir of their Christmas Cantata “Come and Adore Him”.

It was very moving and very different.

I had not heard the majority of the music before but I do so want to again. Most of the melody was modern and upbeat that did not distract but enhanced the traditional lyrics and Bible extracts.

Double click on photos to enlarge.

I do hope the music does not get ‘put away’ and forgotten. It should be used alongside and to complement our Christmas Carols.

I well remember when “Mary’s Boy Child” was a new ‘hit’ song for singer Harry Belafonte and some people actually complained when the various children carol singers added it to their repertoire.

Now it is ‘traditional’ and a staple diet of Church Christmas music.

Kathy Jackson, Choir leader, Organist and Pianist (yes she played both during the Cantata but not at the same time) is to be congratulated for working the choir so hard to bring forth such a resounding and sweet sound.

As for the choir they did the church proud.

A member of the congregation there told me it was so nice to have live accompaniment instead of the ‘canned’ music with backing choral arrangement that is the common practice with the modern choirs.

I agree. It did make a very nice change, although I am not condemning the ‘canned’ musical accompaniment. They both have their place.

There was even a surprise extra offering from iNews Cayman’s own Joan Wilson who read one of her poems about Christmas Yesteryear when she was a child some 70 years ago. The poem included some well known Caymanian names that many of the older members there recognised by their murmurings.

Soloists in the cantata included Alyssa McLaughlin and Stryker Ebanks.

There was also a fine drummer who played along – unfortunately I do not have his name.

Rev Tara Tyme Campbell gave the prayers and the vote of thanks to a very appreciative audience.