Bethune-Cookman’s gospel choir brings soulful praise to Coral Gables

By Coral Gables Gazette staff

A Coral Gables house of worship will be filled with the joyful noise of gospel music rooted in faith, history, and student passion for all to hear. The Inspirational Gospel Choir of Bethune-Cookman University—a powerhouse ensemble from one of Florida’s most storied historically Black colleges—will perform a free community concert at First United Methodist Church, bringing sacred harmonies and a legacy of Christian service to the heart of the city.

The concert begins at 1:30 p.m. on Sunday, October 12 at 536 Coral Way, directly behind City Hall. Admission and parking are free, and the public is warmly invited.

Historic choir with a living mission

Founded in 1904 by educator and civil rights leader Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune, Bethune-Cookman University has long advanced a mission of academic excellence grounded in faith and civic responsibility. That mission comes to life through the Inspirational Gospel Choir, which serves as both a musical ministry and spiritual outreach for the university.

According to official descriptions, the choir is composed of student leaders who travel throughout the region as “ministers in song and ambassadors to the greater community,” offering music “that reflects the Word” and invites listeners into “an encounter with the Holy Spirit through every note.”

Sunday’s performance will showcase the group’s unique blend of traditional gospel, contemporary praise, and student-arranged compositions—each piece selected not just for musicality, but for spiritual resonance.

Presented by the Lamar Louise Curry Concert Series

The concert is part of the Lamar Louise Curry Concert Series, a longstanding initiative of First United Methodist Church of Coral Gables that brings high-quality musical experiences to the local community.

Named in honor of Lamar Louise Curry, a beloved Coral Gables civic leader and patron of the arts, the series has welcomed a wide range of musical genres to the church’s intimate sanctuary over the years—from chamber music and choral works to jazz, flamenco, and now, sacred gospel.

The Curry Series reflects the church’s mission to foster culture and connection within Coral Gables through inclusive, accessible programming. Events are always free, family-friendly, and open to the public, regardless of religious affiliation.

Bethune’s enduring legacy

Bethune-Cookman’s gospel choir continues a rich lineage of sacred music and social uplift shaped by its founder. Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune, who began the school with just $1.50 and five students, went on to become a nationally recognized voice for education, racial equity, and Christian values. She was a presidential advisor, a New Deal leader, and a founding member of the United Nations charter committee.

Her motto—“Our whole school is for Christian service”—remains a cornerstone of institutional identity, including the arts. For the choir, that means every performance is an act of worship, witness, and joyful resilience.

The Coral Gables performance offers audiences not just a musical program, but a glimpse into the ongoing influence of historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) on American culture and spiritual life.

Music that moves the spirit

While the full set list has not been published, the choir’s past concerts have featured favorites such as “Total Praise,” “Ride On King Jesus,” “Let Everything That Hath Breath” and other staples of the Black gospel tradition. With direction from Mr. Vertellis Kendrick, the ensemble is known for expressive soloists, rich choral harmonies, and dynamic pacing that builds spiritual momentum throughout the program.

Bethune-Cookman’s choir performances are intentionally immersive—aimed not at entertainment but at transformation. Each note is rooted in faith, and each song carries a message of hope, perseverance, and communal strength.

As noted in official choir materials, their mission is clear: “to glorify God and inspire hearts.”

A Sunday afternoon for the spirit

In a city known for its cultural sophistication and civic engagement, this concert brings something both timeless and needed: joy, praise, and a communal moment of uplift.

The church encourages attendees to arrive early for seating. No RSVP or tickets are required.

Whether you come with a deep love of gospel, an interest in HBCU traditions, or simply a desire to share a meaningful musical experience with others, this free concert promises to stir the soul.

If you go…

• What: Inspirational Gospel Choir of Bethune-Cookman University
• When: Sunday, October 12, 2025, at 1:30 p.m.
• Where: First United Methodist Church of Coral Gables, 536 Coral Way
• Presented by: The Lamar Louise Curry Concert Series
• Admission & Parking: Free
• Director: Mr. Vertellis Kendrick

Author: Coral Gables Gazette News Staff

Originally established in 1996 and relaunched as a digital publication in February 2025, the Coral Gables Gazette is an independent local news organization dedicated to factual, objective and accountable community journalism. Our newsroom reports on the people, policies, institutions and events shaping Coral Gables, Florida, providing residents with timely, informative coverage of the issues affecting their community. Our reporting includes City Hall, local government, municipal elections, public spending, real estate development, business, education, arts and culture, and neighborhood affairs throughout the City Beautiful. We follow City Commission decisions, examine public records and report on the businesses, organizations and individuals contributing to Coral Gables. We believe informed residents are essential to a healthy, engaged community. Stories published under the Coral Gables Gazette News Staff byline are prepared or compiled by the publication's editorial team. We strive for accuracy, fairness, transparency and clear distinctions between news reporting, opinion and advertising. Readers are encouraged to submit news tips, corrections, editorial inquiries and story suggestions through our Contact page and learn more about our standards through our Editorial Policy.