Eastern Michigan Gospel Choir

An idea, a concept, and a dream was born 35 years ago. Inspired by EMU student Martha Jean Cotton, the Eastern Michigan University Black Gospel Choir was formed in the fall of 1972. Love for God and the challenge of the Great Commission, to "Go ye into all the world," was the catalyst that forged this group of young Black students into greater service, through music.
Continuing this new ministry and nurturing it from it’s near infancy state to maturity was Ronald “Chucky” Alexander. Activating the years of teachings that he had received from his background in the holiness church, coupled with the mentorship of the late Dr. Mattie Moss Clark, Ronald stood in the gap as a spiritual overseer to many of the choir members, thus earning him the name that we so affectionately call him “The Bishop”.
The energetic Marvin Miller stepped into the leadership role in 1975 and removed the word "Black" from the choir's name. The dream that began in the 70's continued to expand. The choir was anointed and blessed, and their ministry in song quickly extended beyond the campus of EMU. The Eastern Michigan University Gospel Choir had the opportunity to perform as the opening act for such artists as Andre Crouch, The Winans, The Clark Sisters, and Daryl Coley just to name a few.
In 1984 the choir’s leadership baton was then passed to the vivacious and Spirit-filled Staffy Butler, a directress with a fresh vision. It was her steadfastness and dedication that kept the ministry moving forward even when there was only “Two-Two & Two”. Staffy involved herself in taking organ lessons from Ms. Albertina “Twinkie” Clark so that the choir could continue to minister even in the absence of other musicians. Little did we know that she would faithfully serve this ministry for 20 years, the longest tenure of any other leader.
Joining with Staffy in leadership in 1998 was a young man by the name of Devin Gough, who arose from amidst his peers to take the ministry to the Next Dimension. Under their joint leadership, this campus organization evolved into EMGC Ministries, becoming more than just a choir. Other sub-ministries such as Image of Christ Bible Study, Dancers of David, Reflections of Christ Drama Team and Christian Academic Study Session were implemented to assist in meeting the spiritual and natural needs of the campus and surrounding community. In 2003, Devin solely assumed the ministry leadership role and continues to date.
The choir remains a strong and vibrant entity today. Having released two CD’s “Get to the Concept” and “Patriotically Yours” and one DVD “College Night: The Experience”. They also appeared as the featured choir on Dorinda Clark Cole’s DVD entitled “Dorinda: Live from Atlanta”.
The Eastern Michigan Gospel Choir has been a vineyard of growth and development for young people. Over thirty-five years of students singing of their faith in God; over 420 months of traveling from state to state and city to city; over 12,775 days of sharing, witnessing and fellowshipping; over 299,040 hours of giving glory and honor to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

January 3, 2007--EMGC WINS 2ND PLACE AT THE PATHMARK GOSPEL CHOIR COMPETITION IN NEW YORK CITY!!


Click Here to Purchase "Get to the Concept" - $15
Click Here to Purchase "Patriotically Yours" -$7
Click Here to Purchase "College Night- The Experience" DVD -$14.95