
Minister of Music Marcus D. Smith leads the Divine Voices of Praise at its recording concert. Photos by Colby Ware

Bishop Darneal Johnson, of Ark Church, rejoices while the Divine Voices of Praise gospel choir performs during a live recording.

Gospel artist Isaiah Thomas claps while watching the Ark Church Concert.
If you walked into Ark Church Saturday evening, you may have thought it was a regular praise service.
And it was. But this time, the "Amens" and "Hallelujahs" were being recorded as part of a live concert that will become a CD produced by gospel artist Isaiah D. Thomas.
The concert included original music from Marcus D. Smith, minister of music at the church, Elder Jeff Jacobs and Minister Kevin Carter of the Greater Mount Hope Church. The choir also recorded new contemporary versions of standard gospel hymns, such as "Be Still and Know'' and "Oh, How I Love the Name of Jesus.''
Pastor J.L. Carter, pastor of the North Avenue Church, said the Divine Voices of Praise is a group brought together from the various church choirs specifically for this recording.
"Our church has always been a musical church,'' Carter said. "We've always had a strong music ministry. We've been blessed with natural talent and persons who didn't mind the sharing of their gift.''
"We've talked about doing the CD for some time,'' he said
The recording, done before a live audience, will be released later this year.
Carter said the CD will have both contemporary and traditional music.
"You will find music of all generations,'' he said. "We want all persons to appreciate it.''
Thomas, who won his second Stellar this year for Contemporary Choir of the Year, also recorded a song for the Ark CD, which has not been officially named.
He, along with Elements of Praise, recently released a second CD, The Greatest. He earned his first Stellar for "I Will Bless The Lord,'' which was recorded by Byron Cage.