The Encouragers

The Encouragers from the Ashley River Baptist Church, Charleston, South Carolina, will be in concert. This choir, composed entirely of senior adults, is participating in their tenth annual tour under the direction of Minister of Music, Rev. H.S. Yarborough, Jr. They began as a fellowship group in the late 80’s but became a more serious musical organization in the early 90’s, participating in regional and state choir festivals. With the arrival of Rev. Yarborough in 1996 the choir experienced renewed growth, increasing in membership from fifty to almost seventy-five at present. Previous tours have taken them throughout the eastern and mid-western states. This year’s tour includes concerts in West Virginia, Ohio and South Carolina. The choir’s primary purpose on tour is to share their Christian faith through the medium of music. The program, Faith of Our Fathers, a celebration of our American Heritage, includes both songs of patriotism and of faith. While musical performance is central to their purpose, the joy of traveling during the glorious fall season only adds to the pleasure of choir membership. Accompanists for this 2007 Fall Tour are Louise McMillan and Linda Yarborough.