Brief History of the Queen’s Chapel Male Chorus
The Queen’s
Chapel Male Chorus
of Beltsville, Maryland has been using the gift of song to
glorify God for 45 years. Originating in the early 1960’s as the Muirkirk Male Chorus, the group has emerged as an internationally-known choral organization that has been guided by the able leadership of its original founders – Mrs. Lucille Gilbert (now deceased) and Mr. William E. Lomax (original and current Director). The Chorus has been doubly blessed with able administrative leadership, beginning with its first president, Mr. Charles Matthews, Sr. (now Emeritus), who served as President for more than 30 years.
The Male Chorus has been favored with a talented pianist, Mr. Charles Matthews, Jr., and with many versatile vocalists who have contributed enormously to the style and popularity of the group. Such talent has enabled the Chorus to sing various styles of traditional and contemporary gospel music, spirituals, and hymns.
During the late 1980’s, the Queen’s Chapel Male Chorus recorded its first album entitled, “Going on Just the Same”. In July 2002, the chorus released its first compact CD entitled, “It’s Time.”
The Male Chorus’ musical messages have afforded them opportunities to travel throughout the East Coast, the South, the Midwest, and recently to the African continent. During the summer of 1997, the Male Chorus was featured at the 7th International United Methodist Men’s Congress at Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana, where it ministered to a national and international gathering of 5,000 Christian men. One year later, in August 1998, the Chorus witnessed musically to thousands in South Africa and Zimbabwe, ministering in such cities as Capetown, Harare, Mhondoro, and Mutare. In the final analysis, the Chorus seeks through its music ministry to bring an extra measure of hope to those who know Christ as their personal Savior. Furthermore, the Chorus commits itself to being a vehicle that brings to Christ, those who are lost in a world of sin.
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