Chicago Mass Choir

Oh, Taste and See that the Lord is Good!

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.: history

As a young teen, James C. Chambers became director of the Radio Choir and later organized the youth choir at the Haven of Rest M.B. Church. Church, however, was not the only place where his gift was realized. In 1971, under the guidance of his music instructor at CVS, he crossed denomination barriers and organized the Ecclesiastes Community Choir.

This choir was nourished by James and the Lord for more than 20 years, and ECC flourished into one of the country's finest singing aggregations. During this period James was active in other gospel organizations. His talents and skills allowed him and ECC the honor to perform with many well known artists, gospel and secular. He travelled throughout this country conducting workshops in Choir Administration and Choral Directing. His ability to motivate singing aggregations to always give God the Best was second to none.

In July 1988, James' greatest vision became reality when the ECC Music Workshop commenced at the Adult Continuing Education Department of Kennedy King College. Its purpose was to enhance the performance quality and music administration of gospel music and to unite this city's choirs, community organizations, musicians, songwriters, and soloists. During that first workshop in 1988, James founded and presented the Chicago Mass Choir. In 1991 Chicago Mass was nominated in five categories for the Gospel Music Excellence awards and winner of Best New Artist. In 1992, the Chicago Mass recording "I Can Go to the Rock" was winner of Song of the Year.

James C. Chambers, Founder of the Chicago Mass Choir

.: the vision continues

Dr. Feranda Nero-Roberts,
President and CEO

In 1994, the ECCMW/Chicago Mass Choir torch was passed to Dr. Feranda Nero-Roberts, who had been a founding member and featured soloists of the Ecclesiastes Community Choir, and a longtime colleague and close friend of the group's beloved founder.

A musically gifted child, Feranda remembers singing her first solos in church at age five. She harbored throughout her life a strong sense of calling toward ministry and evangelism. Having attained a doctorate in higher education, she currently serves as Dean of the School of Undergraduate Studies at Capella University, in addition to her responsibilities at the helm of Chicago Mass. She was a member of Christian Tabernacle Church-Baptist for 22 years under the leadership and guidance of Pastor Maceo L. Woods, and currently is a member of Fellowship Baptist Church, where Rev. Charles Jenkins is the Pastor.

In Feranda's mind, and that of the Chicago Mass Choir, there is no separation between music and ministry. "This has always been a ministry of encouragement", Feranda asserts. "It's about hope for people - and from people - who have gone through all types of trying situations and troubled times. Musically, we consider ourselves to be building on the strong foundation of the Gospel music that has preceeded us. My greatest hope for the Chicago Mass Choir is both to give opportunities to those otherwise who might not have been given a chance, and to truly represent excellence in the music we make and the lives we live."

		.: get in touch

		For booking information, call 773.925.6755. .......................................................... Contact us at info@chicagomasschoir.com. Direct comments about the website to webmanager @ chicagomasschoir.com.