Michelle Turner Photo
Music, vendors and food were all a part of the annual Gospel Fest held at Goffe Street Park/ Degale Field this weekend.
People streamed into the park, either holding the hand of a child, or a chair slung over their shoulder, or both. They shopped the vendors, placed around the basketball court as the kids ran over to the ‘bouncy’ castle, placed in the outfield of the baseball diamond. Food vendors lined the County Street side of the park,as shoppers-turned-audience members began to join others sitting with their backs to the sun, enjoying the gospel music, such as the performance of the local group “Blessings,” and listening to testimony from those who have been “saved” from the demons in their lives.
In the past, the crowds have swelled sometime to over 4,000 to see nationally-known gospel acts, such as Donnie McClurken and Yolanda Adams.
Minister Donald Morris [on right in photo, with attorney and activist Clifton Graves, Jr.], known as “Minister Donald” in and outside of the Christian community, is the founder of the Christian Community Commission, located across the street from the park. Gospel Fest is his organization’s event.
Created as a way for the secular and non-secular communities to come together in a safe and fun environment, with an emphasis on gospel music, the festival is now in its 14th year.
“We don’t have the big, big names that we’ve had before,” Morris said at the festival. At that moment, he said, there were about 300 to 400 people in the park. It was 5 p.m. Saturday; he expected the crowd to grow larger.
In the past on a Saturday, you’d have to almost squeeze through the crowd to get around. And they aren’t doing the event on Sundays anymore.
What changed? “The economy,” Minister Morris plainly said. “The economy has shifted on us, you know what I mean? A lot of those artists and sponsors that were able to support us in big ways are guarding how they use their sponsorship money now, and it’s understandable, you know? People have to pay the bills. So, the money isn’t there like it used to be. But we’re right back at the beginning of what the true spirit of Gospel Fest is all about.”
Smiling, Morris admitted it seems longer than 14 years. “We thank God, we’ve just come this far. A couple of years ago, we had that big rain storm that came through. But we’re still moving forward.”
Friday’s activities wrapped up with the gospel stage production of “Prayer Changes Things.” Morris was pleased 300 people turned out to see the inspirational play at Hillhouse High’s auditorium.
And what is the message he wants the public to come away with from the ‘Fest this year?
“Well, the theme this year is called “The Promise.” And we’ve been trying to place a lot of emphasis on the stage about how God has blessed us, and the promises that He has given us, and not to give up,” Morris said. “No matter what our circumstances may be, what they seem like, you know what I mean, remember to keep your faith in The Promises, and that will encourage you to keep going, keep moving forward. The Bible says, ‘The race is not won by the swift and the quick, but those who endureth to the end.’ Let them know this is an endurance race, and just hold on. If they leave here today [with just one messsage], just hold on. be encouraged.
1 Soul Saved
Gospel DJ Jerry Green asked the crowd if anyone wanted to come on stage and give testimony. That’s when people admit to the wrongdoing in their lives that held them back, and how God has saved them from it and continues to bless their lives, so they can continue to be positive, productive people.
A young man stood at the microphone and began to list his sins: “I used to drink on Newhall Street. I used to drink and use drugs on Goffe Street. I used to drink on Dixwell Avenue. But God has saved me! … He is a deliverer from drugs and alcohol.”
The crowd cheered his confession.
“Blessings” performs at Gospel Fest.