An evening of heartfelt musical celebration filled St Paul’s Cathedral on Friday evening as members of the congregation and community came together for the uplifting event,
“Giving Praise in Song.” The Cathedral was nearly packed to full capacity, with parishioners attending from all of the Island’s parishes across the diocese as they waited for the much-anticipated “Giving Praise in Song” concert
Organised and produced by Tony Leo, the event lasted just over an hour and a half but left a lasting impression on everyone present. The programme featured a range of talented performers, including Bishop Dale, The St. Paul’s Gospel Group, Mrs Gay Marr, Mrs Joy George, Mrs Cheryl Anthony, Mrs. Marilyn Joshua, Mrs. Winnie Bagley and Miss Prudence Joshua St. Paul’s Choir, and the Church Lads and Church Girls Brigade.
The evening opened with Tony Leo’s warm welcome, followed by Gay Marr’s moving organ performance of “The Heavens Resound.” The St. Paul’s Choir then lifted voices in Psalm 150’s “Praise the Lord,” unaccompanied and the Church Lads and Church Girls Brigade charmed the audience with “If I Were a Butterfly,” accompanied by Bishop Dale on keyboard.
Other highlights included Marilyn Joshua’s heartfelt “Shine Jesus Shine,” Prudy Joshua and Winnie Bagley’s tender duet “Here is Love, Vast as the Ocean,” and Cheryl Anthony’s stirring “One Day at a Time.” The St. Paul’s Gospel Group, led by Lyn Leo on the Keyboard delivered powerful numbers such as “The Goodness of God,” “Holy Mother,” “What a Friend We Have in Jesus.” And Tears in Heaven. sung by Tony Leo. Noleen Stevens portrayed a lovely rendition of “ I Don’t know How to Love Him,” from Jesus Christ Superstar. Johnny Green sung the closing song, “What A Friend We Have in Jesus” and the Choir came in with the Chorus. The St. Paul’s Choir also performed three popular contemporary gospel songs in harmony: “Praise is Rising,” “The Power of Your Love,” and “What a Beautiful Name” by Hillsong, their repertoire showcased a variety of musical styles, ranging from rock and roll to ballads.
The evening also featured a congregational favourite “Lord, I Lift Your Name on High” before Gay Marr sounded the Cathedral with the rousing, “Hallelujah Chorus.” Final remarks were given by Bishop Dale before closing. “Tonight, we have shown that as a parish we have performed all different varieties of music, which included classical, country, rock and roll, pop as we give praise to God in song”
Behind the scenes, the sound impressed the attendees, with many microphones, two keyboards, a guitar, bass guitar, and a carefully balanced amplification system ensured everything could be heard for a seamless performance.
Performers ranged across vocal sections five sopranos, two altos, one tenor, and one bass singer, including 95-year-old Norman Williams, who started in the choir at just 18 years old, his continued presence as a chorister was warmly received.
A light-hearted moment came midway through the evening when Tony announced that one of the printed programmes bore a small letter “B.” The lucky holder, Daniel Leo, received a Bible as a gift.
The Bank of St. Helena was thanked for sponsoring the printed programmes, and appreciation was extended to the St Helena Fire and Rescue Service, who helped move the Cathedral pews in preparation for the event.
‘Giving Praise in Song’ was suggested as an idea some time ago with a final decision made on the 26th August 2025, that the concert date was set for the evening of the 17th October, with just 7 weeks to select the songs, learn and practice them with the desire to include all musicians within the parish of St Paul’s to be part of the concert.
Tony Leo had taken responsibility as the producer of the event, Tony, who then went into overdrive and started to plan and organise the concert. Where he dedicated much of his time putting together the program, contacting the musicians and singers, organizing all of the logistics with equipment and the PA system, whilst working around the normal Sunday Services. Tony had spent so much time at the Cathedral; it was thought that he had moved in.
There was no entrance fee but the audience was asked to make a retiring donation and they donated £403.24p, which will go to St Paul’s Parish funds.
Church Wardens Joy George and Jeremy Roberts would like to thank all for their generous donations and support to the work of God’s mission in the parish. As part of the growing the Church Mission the parish is planning to have more gospel events in the future.
The Bishop of St Helena (Bishop Dale) would like to thank all involved with the concert.
May God bless you all.