Gospel Music, Local Trailblazers Celebrated at Morristown Church

MORRISTOWN, N.J. – Kenny Bobien, “King of Gospel House Music,” will be the featured artist at a celebration of gospel music at Bethel Church, Saturday, Sept. 14, at noon. In addition, the Irene Bryant Gospel Trail Blazer Award will be given to Sandra Singleton Barnhardt and Gerald Godfrey Martin for their contributions to the preservation and promotion of gospel traditions.

           Sandra Singleton Barnhardt, a former member of  Bethel Church, was Director of Vocal Music at the Cicely Tyson School of Performing and Fine Arts in East Orange before relocating to Charleston, S.C., where she continues to hold many roles in the gospel community.

          Gerald Godfrey Martin began his journey in music ministry at Bright Hope Baptist Church in Montclair. He continues in leadership roles at Howard Anderson Mass Choir and The Church in Christ for All Saints in Morristown.

          “We are extremely excited to highlight and celebrate Morris County and New Jersey’s rich gospel roots at this inaugural event, which promises a little something for everyone,” said MCHS Director Amy Curry.   

Sponsors are Sankofa Heritage Collective of Morris County, Morris County Historical Society, Bethel Church of Morristown, NJ Council for the Humanities, and NJ Historical Commission as part of the first county-wide survey of African American history and historic sites. Tickets: $10 in advance and can be purchased on the MCHS events page; $12 at the door. Proceeds to benefit Sankofa Heritage Collective of Morris County and MCHS. Bethel Church is located at 59 Spring St., Morristown. Call (973) 267-3465.

MCHS at Acorn Hall is located at 68 Morris Ave., Morristown, and is open Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Sundays, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Admission, including exhibits and landscaped grounds, is $8 for adults, $7 for seniors, $5 for students, free for children under 12 and MCHS members. Visit MorrisCountyHistory.org for more information. 

MCHS receives support from: NJ Historical Commission, a division of the Department of State; NJ Council for the Humanities with funding from the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH); Morris County Board of County Commissioners; The F.M. Kirby Foundation; Mimi Washington Starrett Foundation; NJ Historic Trust; Morris County Historic Preservation Trust; Campbell Family Foundation; and our generous members and friends.