Memphis, TN: The 200-voice Temple of Deliverance Women’s Choir (TDWC) isn’t the kind of group to just sing in the choir loft every Sunday. Since its formation circa 2008, the commanding ensemble has not only sung to congregations throughout the USA but has also served the world community at large by doing good deeds such as raising money to feed and clothe flood victims in the Gulf states and building water wells in Nigeria.
Members of the choir are now preparing to sing and serve in the Chain Breaking 2014 Power Conference coming up at its home church, Temple of Deliverance Church of God in Christ. They are fasting, praying and following other spiritual rituals to spiritually prepare for the three-day conference that will feature prominent speakers and singers such as Bishop William Murphy, Dorinda Clark Cole, Bishop Paul Morton and Apostle Don Shelby and Zacardi Cortez. “They will sing and serve,” says choir founder and church First Lady Catherine Hawkins. “They are inviting people from throughout the community who are in need of deliverance. The members will sing and also serve the conference in a variety of capacities.”
The choir has received attention of late because of its debut CD “In the Sanctuary” (Habakkuk Records) that was released in 2013 with cameos by gospel greats such as Tamela Mann, Karen Clark Sheard and Lisa Page Brooks. The initial radio single “Everybody Praise” peaked at #20 on Billboard’s Hot Gospel Songs chart and the CD peaked at #10 on Billboard’s Top Gospel Albums chart. Pastor Milton R. Hawkins says, “This is a benevolent type of project to address the needs in our community and around the world. The church has contributed over $50,000 to relief efforts and other causes.”
Catherine Hawkins and her husband moved from Detroit to Memphis when he was appointed to succeed Bishop G.E. Patterson as pastor of Temple of Deliverance COGIC in 2007. She had a vision for an all-women’s choir that boasted women of all ages and walks of life. No one has to audition to participate; they simply have to be willing to sing and serve the community. In this choir’s case, they don’t sing for their own supper; they are always singing for someone else’s. The Chain Breaking 2014 Power Conference takes place April 16-18 at the Temple of Deliverance Church of God in Christ, 369 G.E. Patterson, Memphis, TN.