������Ƶ

Celebrating UTI's 45th anniversary
Schaeffer-Ashmead Chapel, Philadelphia campus
7301 Germantown Ave., Philadelphia, PA  19119
Free parking next to chapel and in the Brossman Center lot

The St. Thomas Gospel Choir (STGC) and Waltier Blocker The African Episcopal Church of St. Thomas Gospel Choir (STGC) isa one bodied, one spirit, Christ centered music ministry that spreads the gospel and edifies Jesus Christ through music. The St. Thomas Gospel Choir was founded in September 1991 under the leadership of Waltier Blocker and the vision of the late Rev. Canon Jesse F. Anderson, Jr. The choir was formed with8 members that desperately wanted to sing God’s praises and was only supposed to last for a couple of months. However, God’s plan was to have the ministry continue on and to flourish.

STGC was the first Gospel Choir formed in the Episcopal Church and has inspired other Episcopal churches to start their own gospel choirs. The Gospel presence was not welcomed by all of the congregants in 1991, but with Fr. Anderson Jr.’s and Waltier Blocker’s perseverance the choir’s presence became more welcoming and now is anticipated. When Fr. Anderson, Jr. retired from being the 16th Rector, Mr. Blocker continued the vision and with God’s guidance he has elevated the choir’s ministry to greater heights.

Though STGC may have started out as only a “church choir” in 1991;they have become a community choir consisting of singers from 10 different churches. They are a group of 58 spirit-filled, energetic, and anointed musical ambassadors of song. In 2003, Rev. Canon Fr. Martini Shaw became the 17thRector of St. Thomas Episcopal Church and has fully supported and assisted Mr. Blocker’s vision for the choir. Evangelism is a very important factor in the choir’s ministry, and they share their music ministry with thousands of people through services, programs, concerts and celebrations every year.

‍