Wheat Street Baptist Church to Honor Gospel Icon

by Gloria Locke

SWEET AUBURN — Hundreds of attendees are expected at Wheat Street Baptist Church on Sunday, Sept. 8, 2013 at 4 p.m. as the city of Atlanta and Wheat Street Baptist Church join together to honor renowned gospel organist 
and composer, Marvin Anderson.

A native Atlantan and graduate of Turner High School, Anderson served as organist for Wheat Street for than 55 years. Recognized for superb artistry in the area of performance as well as composition, his compositions have touched the world as he has composed traditional gospel selections for some of America’s greatest singers including, Clara Ward and Dorothy Norwood.

Upon his return to Atlanta after study at Albany State College (now Albany State University), Anderson was personally recruited by then pastor, Dr. William Holmes Borders, Sr. as organist for the Gospel Choir of the church.

Anderson’s musical gift has taken him around the world as he has 
ministered extensively in Europe and other parts of the globe. The afternoon promises to be not only rich in history but equally fulfilling spiritually as some of Atlanta’s finest will come together to honor this musical giant. The event will feature the historic Wheat Street Baptist Church Choir, The Masonics, The Atlanta Chapter of the Gospel Music Workshop of America and James Hightower.

Having positively influenced the successful careers of many of Atlanta’s finest musicians, Wheat Street anticipates a large gathering of well recognized musical artists who will join them in salute to Anderson’s musical gift and over a half century of dedicated service to the church and Atlanta community.

The public is invited to what promises to be a momentous celebration for 
this renowned Atlanta-born artist.

IF YOU GO: Wheat Street Baptist Church is at 365 Auburn Ave. NE, Atlanta, GA 30312.