The Men’s Chorus of Ebenezer Baptist Church in Cobbs Creek is a vibrant group of 11 men ranging in age from 25 to 90. They are active and enthusiastic, and according to Herbert Carter Sr., president of the musicians’ group, they not only sing and play well together, they enjoy doing so and are very compatible.
Age differences do not seem to matter at all. The smiles on their faces and their dedication are evident. And their audiences are appreciative.
“We love what we do and we do it for the Lord,” Car-ter said. That is surely the essence of this Men’s Chorus. They obviously are a blessing to each other, their church, and the community.
Carter is a former member of the R&B group, The Dynatones, who were extremely popular in the 1950s and ’60s. That group was notable for its diversified music and rock and roll beginnings. They originated in Mathews and played during the summer months at White Stone Beach. They also played all around Virginia, Maryland, and the D.C. area. Carter related how The Dynatones became famous in this area and won a most prestigious award: They became members of the American Federation of Musicians, which was quite an honor.
At the age of 25, Carter bought a set of drums and began rehearsing. He was a professional drummer for 10 years, and has fond memories of his days as drummer for the group.
One could easily see that Carter was a lover of music from an early age. He told how his mother made him take piano lessons, which he did for a short while, but he said he hated it. When asked what was his favorite instrument, he said without hesitation: the guitar. Carter said he bought his first guitar at the age of 70 and took lessons. He played drums but enjoyed guitar the most. He had started with saxophone, but admitted that piano was the backbone for guitar and many other instruments. His Chorus friends nicknamed him “Music Man.” According to Louis “Lou” Brown, all of the members have nicknames they call each other, but they only use those nicknames among themselves.
Members of The Men’s Chorus of Ebenezer Baptist are a special group. Almost all are members of that church. Some are retired, some working, but all are versatile in their musicality, and at least one young man, Kenneth Reed, can play any instrument as needed and fill in to sing whatever part may be needed. However, he likes to call himself simply, “Musician.” This group is multi-generational, as twin brothers Kenneth and Kendrick are now 25 years old and have been part of the Men’s Chorus since they were teenagers in high school. Kendrick is choir director and pianist for the group. These brothers enjoy the fellowship and musical abilities of their older counterparts. They are also part of other bands/musical groups as well. They seem modest, yet one can tell they love what they do. Their father Terry Reed is part of the chorus also. Carter and Edwin Billups are both 90 years young, but their age does not show nor does it deter them from participation. The Rev. Eric Robinson is pastor of the church and also sings in the Men’s Chorus.
Carter told of the group taking a hiatus during Covid, but now they are back together performing. As president, he sets the schedule/calendar for their performances and coordinates rehearsals, transportation, and assigns tasks as needed. Their focus is solely gospel music, and they perform at various functions as time permits. They provide all of the music for Ebenezer Church on the third and fourth Sundays each month. Last December, the group came back strong and performed at the Christmas Sing-Along at Central United Methodist Church in Mathews. They received a standing ovation for their exceptional presentation.
With their passion for music, Carter’s son Herbert II (Herbie, now deceased) and Robinson first organized the EBC Men’s Choir. Five of the 10 original founding members who are still performing include Herbert Carter Sr., Edwin Billups, Morris Thompson, Terry Hearn, and Robinson. The Ebenezer Baptist Church Men’s Chorus came together on Jan. 23, 1997, holding its first rehearsal that day. They performed for the first time at Ebenezer three days later. Their first engagement away from their home church was at Grafton Baptist Church in Hartfield in May 1997, and from thereon they continued to perform at various churches and functions. In 2015, there were approximately 20 Chorus members.
Recently, there were several groups singing at an event, and one lady stated that Ebenezer Baptist Church Men’s Chorus was “the best choir in the county.”
After hearing this animated and passionate men’s chorus sing and play, one can attest to their expertise and joy. Their love for each other and for God shines through their voices, their instruments, and manner.