The Gold Coast stake choir has been a central part of ANZAC day services in Mudgeeraba with this year being their sixth year singing at the service.
It began when a member of the stake attending the ANZAC ceremony noticed that people seemed reluctant to sing out during the national anthems and hymns, and thought the Church could contribute to the service by furnishing a choir to lead in the singing.
The offer was enthusiastically accepted when the Mudgeeraba RSL Patron, Mr. George O'Brien, attended a stake choir practice and was suitably impressed. After rehearsing with the Gold Coast Hinterland Band, the choir joined with them to lead the music at the ANZAC ceremony. The Mudgeeraba RSL has since requested the choir sing each year at each Sunset Service.
Choir director Sister Gayle Hampson, who has played an important role in getting the choir involved, stated "The Choir is introduced with the full title of the Church which helps make the community aware of who we are as Christians, and we have received positive feedback from all involved".
Gold Coast City Councillor Ted Shepherd particularly complimented the Choir's rendition of 'Jerusalem' after this year's ceremony, and has also extended an invitation for the choir to sing at the forthcoming Mudgeeraba annual show. The show grounds are in close proximity to where the new Gold Coast Stake centre is currently under construction, and Councillor Shepherd spoke at the groundbreaking ceremony of the Church site last year.
Picture and article courtesy of Rebecca Smibert and used with permission.