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- info@susamachar.church
- Services: Sunday 7:00 AM & 5:00 PM
Overview
Susamachar is the proud home of four choirs, led by very talented directors. The choirs sing at our services and lead the congregation in worship through song. The choirs are unauditioned and all are invited to join the choirs. Click on the choirs below to find out more about each choir at the church.
Susamachar Presbyterian Church Senior Choir
Senior Choir
Historically, the Senior Choir of Susamachar Presbyterian Church was established by the early Canadian Missionaries in the late 19th Century.
The Choir has evolved over the years in terms of its Mission and Vision and has been able to contribute in various ways to the uplift of the church.
Today, the Senior Choir has a membership of twenty (20) members (Nine Sopranos, four Altos, five Tenors and two basses) and is led by the esteemed Mr. George Poliah. There is an Executive comprising Mrs. Roslyn Elias (President and Representative of the Choir on the Local Board), Mrs. Heidi Ramdin ( Secretary), Mr. Peter Sammah (treasurer), Mrs. Marilyn Sammy Deo, Mrs. Irma Lall, and Ms. Claudia Ramdin.
The Senior Choir meets for practice on Wedn……
Senior Choir
Junior Choir
Susamachar Presbyterian Church Junior Choir
Junior Choir
An old Wittenberg Monk, Martin Luther once said, “Next to the Word of God, music deserves the highest praise. The gift of language combined with the gift of song was given to man that he should proclaim the Word of God through music.” Indeed, this has been the heart-felt sentiment of every Director, musician, and chorister of the Susamachar Presbyterian Church Junior Choir from inception. A belief that has held true, even to today, for what better way to serve our God than with the gifts and talents he bestows on us through selfless service?
Susamachar Presbyterian Church Chorale
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Greetings on behalf of the members of the Susamachar Presbyterian Church Chorale! Our choir was born out of several suggestions made during the tenure of Rev Joy Abdul- Mohan , who was the Minister of the Susamachar Pastoral region at that time. On the 6th September, 2002, the Susamachar Presbyterian Church Chorale was commissioned by Rev Daniel Teelucksingh who was serving as the Interim Minister of the Pastoral region at that time, while Rev Joy Abdul- Mohan had been appointed as the Principal of the St Andrew’s Theological College.
The Chorale remains committed in our mission to serve the Church community in music and song, uplifting and enriching each service with beautiful, rhythmic sounds .
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Youth Choir
Grant Memorial / Susamachar Presbyterian Youth Choir
Youth Choir
The Susamachar Youth Choir had its start in February 2015.
The Choir held its initial practice on Saturday 21st February 2015. Initially, there were 27 children in attendance but as time went by the membership grew to 60. This Choir held practice every Saturday from 2.00-3:30 PM on the church’s compound. The Choir was officially launched on…
SUSAMACHAR PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH SENIOR CHOIR
Historically, the Senior Choir of Susamachar Presbyterian Church was established by the early Canadian Missionaries in the late 19th Century.
The Choir has evolved over the years in terms of its Mission and Vision and has been able to contribute in various ways to the uplift of the church.
Today, the Senior Choir has a membership of twenty (20) members (Nine Sopranos, four Altos, five Tenors and two basses) and is led by the esteemed Mr. George Poliah. There is an Executive comprising Mrs. Roslyn Elias (President and Representative of the Choir on the Local Board), Mrs. Heidi Ramdin ( Secretary), Mr. Peter Sammah (treasurer), Mrs. Marilyn Sammy Deo, Mrs. Irma Lall, and Ms. Claudia Ramdin.
The Senior Choir meets for practice on Wednesdays from 6.00 pm to 8.00 pm. Organists are Mrs. Ruth Sitahal and Mr. Timothy Bally. Apart from singing at regular services, the Choir sings for special services as well as during Advent, Lent and Easter. The Choir is also involved in Christmas presentations, outreach programmes, fund raising activities and supports all activities and groups of the church.
At the present time, the Senior Choir has not been functioning due to the Coronavirus 19 Pandemic. However, soloists Mrs. Roslyn Elias, Mrs. Anita Maharaj and Mr. Deon Bellamy sing at church services whenever the Choir is scheduled.
The leader, organists and members of the Senior Choir are committed to the Music Ministry of the church and hope to continue choral singing when the Pandemic ends, so that they can function once more as a group.
We pray God’s blessings upon the Senior Choir as we continue to develop our ministry in music and song.
TO GOD BE THE GLORY.
THE SUSAMACHAR PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH JUNIOR CHOIR
An old Wittenberg Monk, Martin Luther once said, “Next to the Word of God, music deserves the highest praise. The gift of language combined with the gift of song was given to man that he should proclaim the Word of God through music.” Indeed, this has been the heart-felt sentiment of every Director, musician, and chorister of the Susamachar Presbyterian Church Junior Choir from inception. A belief that has held true, even to today, for what better way to serve our God than with the gifts and talents he bestows on us through selfless service?
The Junior Choir plays a significant role in the life of our church by bringing together, fostering, encouraging and teaching the young members of our congregation discipline, dedication, and service to the Almighty, by harnessing their God-given talent in the rendering of songs, hymns and service to congregations. All in a bid to share the love and message of the Saviour in our part of His vast vineyard.
Within the Choir there is a beautiful sense of togetherness and family-spirit. The love, patience, cooperation, loyalty, and understanding shared among the membership provides the support needed to develop independent young people. They help each other develop not only spiritually but also mentally and emotionally, where the friendships formed often lead to life-long bonds that have stood the test of time.
Here we also seek to create an atmosphere where coming to church whether to sing or not, becomes an enjoyable experience in devotional service to God. Additionally, by injecting young vibrant minds into the work, witness and active service to the church, the choir provides a forum for the continuation of God’s work here on earth and the dedicated leadership of tomorrow’s church.
The Choir is at present under the directorship of Mr. Kevin Mark Ragbir, who continues the legacy of competent and distinguished directors who have had the privilege of leading the choir in years gone by. Under his direction the Choir has been featured on the ‘Inspirations’ compact disc compilation, taken part in several musicals, concerts, festivals, cantatas, national conventions, and have visited numerous churches throughout the years for special occasions and during the Lenten period. Although the main purpose of the choir is the rendering of music to God’s people, there are many aspects of church life that the members participate in such as Sporting Teams and Events, Social Outreach, Caroling, Bazaars and Fiestas, among others activities of our church.
Musically, the members learn not only how to sing but also how to read, understand and interpret musical scores, a skill that all will come to know and have for the rest of their lives. They can also develop their musical ability by learning to play the piano, or in the conducting of choirs. All with the goal of furthering the work and witness of our Lord, Jesus Christ. Practices are held every Saturday afternoon at the Church from 3.30 to 5.30pm. Interested persons can contact the director or members of the choir at any time for further information.
We are very proud to be a part of the rich heritage of the Susamachar Presbyterian Church, and as we move forward we will not forget the legacy left to us by those many dedicated directors, musicians and members who have laid the foundation upon which we strive to build on as we continue in humble and dedicated service to our Heavenly Father and His people here on earth.
The Susamachar Presbyterian Church Chorale – a brief history
“MY HEART, O GOD, IS STEADFAST; I WILL SING AND MAKE MUSIC WITH ALL MY SOUL” Psalm 108: 1
Greetings on behalf of the members of the Susamachar Presbyterian Church Chorale! Our choir was born out of several suggestions made during the tenure of Rev Joy Abdul- Mohan , who was the Minister of the Susamachar Pastoral region at that time. On the 6th September, 2002, the Susamachar Presbyterian Church Chorale was commissioned by Rev Daniel Teelucksingh who was serving as the Interim Minister of the Pastoral region at that time, while Rev Joy Abdul- Mohan had been appointed as the Principal of the St Andrew’s Theological College.
The Chorale remains committed in our mission to serve the Church community in music and song, uplifting and enriching each service with beautiful, rhythmic sounds .
We are grateful to our founding members, in particular, Miss Monica Prayag ( the first elected President of the Choir) , the late Mrs Jean Benjamin and the late Miss Christine Mosaheb (accompanist and organist 2002-2003 ), who conceptualised the enhancement of the music ministry of our Church with the formation of the Chorale. Mrs Rowena Wattley served as the accompanist and organist from 2003-2005. Mrs Sita Jenvey and Mrs Noreen Kalliecharan, organists, never hesitated to accompany the Choir when the need arose, and we are thankful for their generosity over the years . Mrs Carolyn Bally- Gosine currently serves as the Choir leader and organist ( 2005-present).
The Chorale has presented songs and music of many different genres: including classical , sacred, Caribbean , and up-beat , contemporary gospel . Now that the COVID 19 restrictions have been lifted, we are happy to have resumed our weekly Saturday practices at 2:30 pm at the Church. Our practice sessions have been fun and invigorating, helping to strengthen our ties as we serve our Church. We welcome new members to join us . Contact any member of the Chorale if you would like to contribute to the further upliftment of our Church in music and song.
As the Susamachar Presbyterian Church continues to build on the legacy of commitment to spiritual growth bestowed on us by our founding fathers, it is our fervent desire that we, the members of the Susamachar Presbyterian Church Chorale will continue to exemplify a spirit of selfless service and devotion in our contribution to our Church. We continue to add to the legacy of our past Choir members who faithfully attended practices and contributed to the growth of our Choir over the last 20 years. May Almighty God continue to richly guide and bless us as we continue to serve our Church.
The Susamachar Youth Choir had its start in February 2015.
The Choir held its initial practice on Saturday 21st February 2015. Initially, there were 27 children in attendance but as time went by the membership grew to 60. This Choir held practice every Saturday from 2.00-3:30 PM on the church’s compound. The Choir was officially launched on Sunday 3rd May 2015 with a subsequent performance on Sunday 10th May 2015, Mothers’ Day. On both occasions the Choir was well received with standing ovations. Since then the Choir has participated in various services during the year culminating in a splendid performance during the Candlelight service in December 2015.
As initially stated, the choir comprised of approximately 60 children but unfortunately the membership wavered over time due to promotion of the kids into higher classes and their commitments to lessons on Saturdays. Hence, with careful consideration and discussions with the Grant Memorial Presbyterian School parents and the Principal Mrs. Donna Ramjohn Khan, the choir practice was extended to the Grant Memorial Presbyterian school. This movement caused the choir membership to explode beyond what we could have ever imagined. Membership hence climbed to 120 during the Christmas season and it has maintained an average of 75 pupils in attendance during normal practice sessions.
Practices were now held on Tuesdays and Thursdays during the luncheon period at Grant Memorial Presbyterian School and continues Saturdays from 11:00 am to 12:00 noon.
In 2015 Mrs Rhea Banham was elected as our Groups Representative/ Secretary to the Local Board and Mrs. Lystra Martin was our President. However, in 2016 Mrs. Rhea Banham could no longer hold that post as her job became very demanding. Our next group representative was Ms. Amanda Ramjohn. She held on until Ms. Lisa Kalicharan (coordinator & teacher of GMPS) then became our group representative to the Local Board from February 2016 up until the present time. The choir continues to be led and conducted by Mr. George Poliah and Mrs Lisa Kalicharan- Paul.
The large number of choir members attend Grant Memorial Presbyterian School, Pan Stars, Sunday School and other schools outside of the Susamachar Presbyterian Church. While it was borne solely out of Susamachar it could not therefore be called the Susamachar Youth choir anymore because the entire Grant Memorial Presbyterian School choir became members of this choir. Hence the reason for renaming the choir the Grant Memorial / Susamachar Presbyterian Youth Choir in 2018.
For each year, some of the services we sang for are as follows:
This choir has served both the school and the church over the years and has become an integral part of the church’s ministry in its service to the community and the congregation.
We now take this opportunity in offering our most heartfelt congratulations to the Susamachar Presbyterian Church of Trinidad and Tobago for reaching this milestone of 150 years. God has truly been good to this church and we the members of the Grant Memorial / Susamachar Presbyterian Youth Choir have been blessed to be a small part of this church’s journey. May God continue to bless us all as we use our gifts and talents to serve Him through our worship at this church.