The E. L. Cole Chorale

In June 1967, The Salem Gilfield Youth Choir formed under the leadership of choir director Harold Tyrone Plunkett and pianist Mrs. Joy M. Harvey (Plunkett) at 837 Florida Street. The choir’s sincere desire was to sing praises for the Lord and fellowship together, which grew from taking part in the Youth Choir on Young People’s Day Programs. The group started working for God in the springtime of their youth, and later their request to serve as part of the church ministry on the 3rd Sunday of each month was granted. On August 23, 1970, the E. L. Cole Chorale did their first Musical Concert.

Choir Directors

(L) Mr. Thaddeus Fields, Youth Choir Director, and son of Mr. & Mrs. Plunkett

R) Mrs. Joy Plunkett, Pianist, Organist, & Youth Choir Director

(Seated) Mr. Harold Plunkett , Youth Choir and Mass Choir Director. He was Choir Director Emeritus before his death.

The Youth Choir of Salem Gilfield Baptist Church continued to work together to glorify God by sharing and uniting their voices in songs and praise when the church family moved to 3176 Kimball Avenue in January 1976. They maintained the rich heritage of music literature inherited from Mrs. Marguerite Purdy, Mrs. Elmertha Cole, Kathryn Rivers Johnson, and Mrs. Joan R. Williams. Other inspirational supporters were Mrs. Eudora Tribble and Mr. A. C. Williams. These Chorale singers were often invited to share their talent by participating in various church programs and services around the city, and they also had the opportunity to compete with some of the most prominent churches throughout the city. They were known for their many spiritual renditions and had the honor of performing the famous spiritual by William Dawson, “Soon Ah Will Be Done,” at The Orpheum Theatre.

When The Youth Choir membership increased, a new name was needed because of the variety of ages. In 1984, The Salem Gilfield Youth Choir changed their name to The E. L. Cole Chorale. Dexter Hamilton recommended this name as a tribute to Mrs. Elmertha Cole, who served as Choir Director and Organist of Salem Gilfield. She also taught piano and voice lessons to many of the children at Salem Gilfield and neighboring children. Her leadership, training, and spiritual guidance will live forever. In 1987, The E. L Cole Chorale merged with the Senior Choir members and became The Salem Gilfield Mass Choir.

In 2002, Mr. Plunkett resigned as the E. L. Cole Chorale and Mass Choir Director. He was the Director of the Youth and Young Adult Choir/E. L. Cole Chorale for over 30 years and was instrumental in establishing The Salem Gilfield Mass Choir by combining The E. L. Cole Chorale and The Senior Choir. He was an inspiration and a blessing to The Salem Gilfield Music Ministry. Although he retired from his directing duties, he continued to serve as Director Emeritus and to sing with The Mass Choir on special occasions until his illness.

Under the direction of Mrs. Joy Plunkett, a Youth and Young Adults Choir was re-established, and they continued to sing every third Sunday and on special occasions. As the interest and desires of others grew to help spread the gospel of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, the name was changed from The Youth and Young Adults to The Voices of Salem Gilfield. Brother Thaddeus A. C. Fields became the Director.

The musical training received at Salem Gilfield Baptist Church was a blessing, and they aim to pass it on.

“LET THE WORDS OF OUR MOUTHS AND THE MEDIATION OF OUR HEARTS BE ACCEPTABE UNTO GOD”

“TO GOD BE THE GLORY”

Compiled by

Mrs. Joy M, Plunkett

August 2005

“Dwelling Together In Unity”

The E. L. Cole Chorale

Choir Directors

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