Social Justice Mission Takes Men’s Choir To New York

By: Taylor Bradford ’19

Editor-in-chief

With voices for singing and hearts for service, the Gordon College Men’s Choir did more than just sing this past semester.

The Men’s Choir had the opportunity to perform, worship and eat with the homeless population of Albany, NY at Capital City Rescue Mission.

Jamie Hillman, Assistant Professor of Music and Conductor of the Men’s and College Choir, has emphasized the importance of social justice missions since he began conducting the choir in 2012.

In past years, the choir has visited Boston Children’s Hospital and Massachusetts Correction Institution in Norfolk to bring music as a source of enjoyment and comfort. This past semester, Hillman wished to continue this mission by going to a homeless ministry.

A colleague of Hillman’s directed him to Capital City Rescue Mission, a Christian non-profit organization that provides those in need with food, clothing and housing to the homeless population of Albany, NY.

Apart of their social justice mission, Hillman emphasized to the students the importance of community.

After their performance, the choir joined the community for a meal and worship. This allowed the students to engage and connect with the homeless at the Mission.

“I didn’t want to just perform and and walk out; I wanted us to eat there. I think because sharing a meal with people, anyone, but people who are really different from you or just have a very different life circumstance than you is really interesting,” said Hillman.

Micah Freer ’20 said, “The guests were very willing to speak with us and answer questions about themselves. Many members of the group found they could make connections including where they grew up, interests, and even educational pursuits like majors and training.”

The Men’s Choir is looking forward to more “mission minded” visits in the future; whether that is to prisons, nursing homes or inner city public schools.

Grant Cannon ’19 said, “I think Men’s Choir must continue to push boundaries in terms of social justice and reach out to further communities. This visit to Capital City Rescue Mission was a great stepping stone towards taking further trips such as this and sharing the word of Christ.”