Bandleader, Lloyd Parkes, chanted new lyrics as they came to his lips.FAMILY CHURCH on the Rock, Reading Montego Bay opened its new multi-million dollar worship facility last Saturday in a concert celebrating the organisation's 14th anniversary.
Although months away from 'full' completion, the facility promises to accommodate classrooms, nursery and a worship centre.
On Saturday the first floor of the building, boasting signs of Christmas accommodated the electrifying event.
Hosted by Love FM's Nadine Blair, the concert featured a born-again Lloyd Parkes, the great Jamaican Rocksteady band leader. Saturday's show placed on record the fact that when the histories of Jamaican Rocksteady and gospel music are written, the name Lloyd Parkes will be etched in both.
Parkes who recently converted to the Christian faith was in high energy as he rewrote the lyrics of his all-time favourite hit 'Officially' all to the glory of God.
As a song writer of no mean order, he chanted new lyrics as they came to his lips as he performed to the brand new auditorium of believers.
The gathering sang along and danced in praise as the new convert supported by a distinguished team of musicians blasted the good old gospel to the bouncing Rocksteady beat.
Parkes told of a recent experience he had in which his son was very ill, on life support in the United States and how the "... Lord answered my prayer and after I saw my son unconscious, I told the Lord that I needed a miracle, something had to happen, and the next day, which was the last day I had before coming back to Jamaica, when I went to see him, he was sitting up in bed, I am very thankful and just keep praising God."
Head of the church Pastor Dr. Richard Keane could not help but get into the groove and joined Parkes in a lively deejay set towards the end of his performance.
Also on the show was noted jazz singer Christine Fisher who gave a tidy mix of gospel favourites in her unique brand.
Along with her husband Alex on keyboard, Christine belted out a jazzed-up version of hymn book selection Blessed Assurance, then she moved into Knocking on Heaven's Door and Summer Time, before ending with the foot-stomping I'll Take You There'.
With heads nodding, hands clapping the audience appreciated every note and the abundant squeals of delight energised the already enchanted atmosphere.
Of course the church's home-grown talents were not to be left out and Barry Williams, a near Barry White sound-alike, with his rich baritone performed an interesting selection of old-time church songs.
The Church on the Rock Cultural group nattily attired in the national costume, borrowed from the repertoire of Jamaican folk music to tell the history of the organisation.
Guitarist Fitzroy Bent with his backing band brought the house down with a magnificent instrumental set of gospel music.
With the opening celebrations behind, the Montego Bay church is now looking to make the new facility into a place of service in education, sports and worship for persons in and around the city.
