MSBCOC | Spotlight
The "Korner"
By Jonathan Ray

The music of the Star is given an added treat whenever a certain group of musicians attend. I'm talking about the presentation of praise through music featuring those musicians, named by Pastor Samuel Ray as the "Korner".

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The "Korner"

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Several years ago, MSBCOC musicians (all of whom have attended the Morning Star Baptist Church of Christ since childhood) found themselves routinely playing and praising our Lord and Savior on Sundays, during the 11:00 a.m. worship service. These musical presentations are unique because formal rehearsals are usually not scheduled and most songs are called on the spot, thus being spiritual opuses. In the event of special performances rehearsals are held in Preston Davis' studio at home.

Because of the instrumentation, the sounds played serves as a reminder of Psalm 150, 'praise Him with the sounds of the instruments.'

In attendance on these Sundays are:

• Jonathan Samuel Ray - Organ & Piano
• Raelene Scott Muse - Organ & Piano
• Billy Campbell, Sr. - Trumpet
• Preston Davis - Bass & Guitar
• Shawn Brooks - Percussions
• Daquan Scudder - Percussions

All such persons listed were reared at the Star and studied music in the Baltimore Metropolitan Area. Some are still students. With a rich legacy of art and music, they strive to maintain the tradition. To go back in time, try to remember the music of Mr. Bingham, Mr. Farmer, Mrs. Mary L. Backus, the Muldrow's, the Branch's, Moses Knight, Phyllis Harris, James Peterson and Donald L. Brown. These individuals were the foundation and cornerstones providing building blocks of dedication and commitment that produced such prodigies as Ernest Sallee and Jonathan Ray.

Unlike some other churches in the Baltimore area and around the nation "The Star" has never hungered for good music or musicians. Our rituals, protocols and decorum have reflected the love of Christ, church theology and salvation.

Our Korner endeavors to use their musical skills to deliver God's praises. Music serves as a people softener which gradually opens the mind allowing one to receive the Word. So, with encouragement and appreciation from both the Pastor and our church family and moved by the Holy Spirit, the Korner expresses their musical gifts and polish them at the same time. All praises and glory go to God.

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