The Music Ministry seeks to minister to all through artistic expressions exhibiting the character of Christ. It is a vital part of worship and provides a creative space for people to utilize their God-given talents. The Music Ministry embraces a blended, sacred music style that includes praise songs, gospel, spirituals, hymns, anthems, jazz, and classical.
The ministry also includes liturgical dance. People of all experience levels are welcome to join the Music Ministry at any time. No prior singing or dance experience is required.
Celebrating Over 150 Years of the Music Ministry
—Since 1870—
The Minister of Music
Brother Kenneth Howard Peagler serves as minister of music and oversees the choirs, liturgical dance groups, musicians, and other performing arts.
The Praise and Worship Team
The six-member Praise and Worship Team was formed in response to pandemic restrictions. The group provides music from the sanctuary for in-person and livestreamed worship services.
The Mass Choir
Directors, Sister Rhonda Glaudé and Sister Siera Toney.
With the relaxing of COVID restrictions, the Music Ministry is working toward increasing the number of choir members for worship service. The Mass Choir provides music for the 10 a.m. worship service on the first through fourth Sundays during regular in-person services. Rehearsals are held at the church on Wednesdays at 7 p.m. and Sundays at 8:30 a.m.
The Male Chorus
Directors, Brother Kenneth Peagler and Brother Charles Gordon
The Male Chorus provides music for the 10 a.m. worship service on fifth Sundays during regular in-person services.
The Kandelite Choir
Director, Deacon Deborah Crain-Kemp
The Kandelite Choir is the Music Ministry’s children’s choir and provides music during worship services on certain Sundays.
The Comfort and Care Choir
Director, Brother Kenneth Peagler
The Comfort and Care Choir provides music during funeral and memorial services.
The Liturgical Dance Ministry—Women
Coordinators, Sister Karen Sidney-Drumgold and Rev. Lorise White Wolfe
The Liturgical Dance Ministry—Youth & Young Adults
Coordinators, Sister Taylor Weldon and Sister Milan Wolfe
History of the Music Ministry
The Nineteenth Street Music Ministry dates back to 1870. Our choirs became well known early on for their repertoire of anthems, hymns, Negro spirituals, and classical music, with the Senior Choir singing at the White House in 1976. By the 1960s, the ministry had expanded its repertoire to include gospel music. In 2000, it expanded further to include liturgical dance. The one constant throughout its history has been bringing the beauty, joy, and comfort of the sacred musical arts to all.
Contact Information
If you are interested in joining a choir, contact:
Minister of Music Kenneth Peagler ministerofmusic@19thstreetbc.org or 202-829-2773, ext. 110
If interested in joining a liturgical dance group, contact: Sister Milan Wolfe, liturgicaldance@19thstreetbc.org