The high school vocal ensemble, Take Note, had the special opportunity to perform two worship songs on Sunday, October 13 at the historic Head of the River Church in Estell Manor. The ensemble was invited to sing as part of the church’s annual service held the second Sunday in October to commemorate the construction of the church in 1792. This October marked the church building’s 227th anniversary. It is the oldest house of worship in Atlantic County and the oldest Methodist church in New Jersey.
The ensemble, under the direction of Choral and Instrumental Music Director Jaron Beadle, performed two songs a cappella — “Way Maker” by Leeland and “Reckless Love” by Cory Asbury — to a packed church sanctuary of nearly 200 people from across the community. The Rev. Dave Bailey, who presided over the church service, thanked the ensemble members for their performance and invited them to return for the church’s annual Christmas service. The church also gave a donation to support the ACS music program.
The high school students who performed Sunday were, from left: Tommy Ellison, Ashleigh Martin, Reyna Lewis, Sydney Pearson, Jada Logan, Sophia Lee, Cheyenne Schwenker, Nell Daeleman, and Elizabeth Alford. The ensemble, which has 15 members in all, meets Friday mornings before school and has a number of performances scheduled for this school year, including caroling at the Atlantic City International Airport in December and performing in other churches and local nursing homes.