Celebrating three decades of the Calvary Cross Choir
Jan 10, 2010
FOR an evangelistic choral group to mark three decades of existence is an amazing feat that calls for celebration. <br>It is even better when the choir has had a holistic impact on society. It is for this reason that people of various backgrounds flocked Namirembe Christian Fellowship recently to c
By Mathias Mazinga
FOR an evangelistic choral group to mark three decades of existence is an amazing feat that calls for celebration.
It is even better when the choir has had a holistic impact on society. It is for this reason that people of various backgrounds flocked Namirembe Christian Fellowship recently to celebrate 29 years of the music ministry of Calvary Cross Choir, which is affiliated to the church.
The choir was started by Prof. Simeon Kayiwa in 1980, at the start of the NRA guerrilla war.
The pioneer choristers were internally displaced people who had come to seek protection at Kayiwa’s residence after their homes in Luweero were ravaged by the war.
Amazingly, most of the pioneer members are still with the choir. Some are pastors, while others are either church ministers or working abroad.
But the celebration was not just about dancing and jubilation; it was also an edifying three-hour musical service.
The choir, whose style of singing is strictly choral acapella, sang some of its greatest hits from its repertoire of over 200 songs. These included Ekitubuuliza Enjiri, Kitaffe Ali Muggulu, Bwetulisisinkana, Bwalikowoola Erinnya Lyange, Bayuuguumya Ekibuga, Ka Daudi and Mu Biseera bya Pharaoh.
Kayiwa went to great lengths explaining the biblical context of each song and its relevance to a contemporary society.
His overall message was that people should always trust in God, who has power over every situation.
He said this trust had enabled the choir to prevail over big challenges and live up to its evangelistic mission for 29 years.
Pastor Samuel Luwandagga showered praise on Dr. Celia Kayiwa, wife to Prof. Kayiwa.
With tears rolling down his cheeks, Luwandagga recalled how in the early 1980s, Dr. Celia took care of over 50 members of the choir who were sleeping at her house.
He attributed the longevity of the Calvary Cross Choir to Dr. Celia’s bravery, perseverance and motherly love.
Another pastor, Leonard Ssekaggya, hailed Prof. Kayiwa for moulding them into responsible men and women of God.
Kayiwa, on the other hand, praised the voluntarism and evangelistic zeal of his choristers, which had enabled them to reach out to people of God countrywide.
Members of the choir gave the Kayiwas a special gift to recognise their parental spirit. They also donated 50 plastic chairs to the church.
They wrapped up the show with Jesus Shall Reign, a poignant hymn of victory.
FOR an evangelistic choral group to mark three decades of existence is an amazing feat that calls for celebration.
It is even better when the choir has had a holistic impact on society. It is for this reason that people of various backgrounds flocked Namirembe Christian Fellowship recently to celebrate 29 years of the music ministry of Calvary Cross Choir, which is affiliated to the church.
The choir was started by Prof. Simeon Kayiwa in 1980, at the start of the NRA guerrilla war.
The pioneer choristers were internally displaced people who had come to seek protection at Kayiwa’s residence after their homes in Luweero were ravaged by the war.
Amazingly, most of the pioneer members are still with the choir. Some are pastors, while others are either church ministers or working abroad.
But the celebration was not just about dancing and jubilation; it was also an edifying three-hour musical service.
The choir, whose style of singing is strictly choral acapella, sang some of its greatest hits from its repertoire of over 200 songs. These included Ekitubuuliza Enjiri, Kitaffe Ali Muggulu, Bwetulisisinkana, Bwalikowoola Erinnya Lyange, Bayuuguumya Ekibuga, Ka Daudi and Mu Biseera bya Pharaoh.
Kayiwa went to great lengths explaining the biblical context of each song and its relevance to a contemporary society.
His overall message was that people should always trust in God, who has power over every situation.
He said this trust had enabled the choir to prevail over big challenges and live up to its evangelistic mission for 29 years.
Pastor Samuel Luwandagga showered praise on Dr. Celia Kayiwa, wife to Prof. Kayiwa.
With tears rolling down his cheeks, Luwandagga recalled how in the early 1980s, Dr. Celia took care of over 50 members of the choir who were sleeping at her house.
He attributed the longevity of the Calvary Cross Choir to Dr. Celia’s bravery, perseverance and motherly love.
Another pastor, Leonard Ssekaggya, hailed Prof. Kayiwa for moulding them into responsible men and women of God.
Kayiwa, on the other hand, praised the voluntarism and evangelistic zeal of his choristers, which had enabled them to reach out to people of God countrywide.
Members of the choir gave the Kayiwas a special gift to recognise their parental spirit. They also donated 50 plastic chairs to the church.
They wrapped up the show with Jesus Shall Reign, a poignant hymn of victory.