When the Men’s Mass Community Choir takes the stage for its 20th annual concert, it won’t just be about music — it will be about honoring a legacy. For two decades, the choir has filled Owensboro churches with powerful harmonies and uplifting gospel music, but this year’s performance carries a deeper meaning. The group will pay tribute to longtime choir president Larry “Chick” Owen, who passed away during preparations for the event.
“Chick was very excited about this year’s production, wanting it to reflect the best of the choir’s past performances,” said choir president Michael Johnson.
The choir, composed of 30 men from more than a dozen area churches, will perform its milestone concert on March 30 at Zion Baptist Church (2311 West 9th Street), followed by an encore performance on April 13 at First Christian Church (700 J.R. Miller Boulevard). Both concerts begin at 3 p.m.
Under the direction of local and state church music leader Titus Chapman, this year’s program will blend old favorites with fresh interpretations.
“We sound really good in our practices so far,” Chapman said. “We have some fantastic soloists, and we’ll be bringing back some of the favorite songs from our performances over the years. A few of the songs will have new twists, but they’ll be recognizable to those who have faithfully followed us over the years.”
Although this is Chapman’s first year directing the choir, he’s no stranger to the group.
“I know this group, and I performed with them just a few years ago,” he said. “It’s my honor and pleasure to lead their performance this year.”
Adding to the excitement, well-known local gospel singer Alma Randolph Crump will perform two gospel classics alongside the choir. Crump, founder of the Alma Randolph Charitable Foundation, said the invitation to participate came directly from Owen before his passing.
“I’ve tried to attend the concert annually, and always enjoy the event. At the conclusion of last year’s concert, Chick approached me about being featured soloist for this year’s event, and I immediately accepted the invitation,” Crump said. “However, this celebration will be bittersweet for everyone. I am honored to fulfill my commitment to Chick and to sing with this awesome group of men. Of course, Titus Chapman will do a great job directing the choir.”
Accompanied by musicians Alison McFarland (owner of McFarland Funeral Home) and The Rev. DeMarcus Curry (Asbury Methodist Church) on keyboard, Owensboro Police Chief Art Ealum on bass, and drummer Jehvion Thames, the choir promises a powerful and inspiring experience.
“Our sound is big as we sing a list of gospel classics in the well-known style of the Men’s Mass Community Choir,” Johnson said. “People will be inspired and go away really feeling the gospel spirit that the choir and Chick Owen brought to the Owensboro community.”
The Men’s Mass Community Choir was originally formed in 2005 under the leadership of Owen at Sweeney Street Baptist Church in Owensboro in celebration of Black History Month.
“We are now a diverse brotherhood of men from across our community, who gather regularly to not only sing praises to God, but to also enjoy fellowship, food and participate in local service projects,” Johnson said.
The group has performed at numerous regional events over the years and will make a special appearance at the Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce’s Rooster Booster Breakfast on March 6 ahead of its two major concerts.
