[Page S7348]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                RECOGNIZING THE ST. MARK SANCTUARY CHOIR

<bullet> Mrs. LINCOLN. Mr. President, today I recognize St. Mark 
Sanctuary Choir from Little Rock, which recently advanced to the 
national level of ``How Sweet the Sound,'' a nationwide contest in 
search for the best church choir in America.
  St. Mark Choir earned a trip to the upcoming final competition in 
Washington, DC, after winning the regional ``How Sweet the Sound'' 
competition held in Memphis earlier this month. Under the leadership of 
Darius Nelson, Minister of Music, the choir surpassed its competition 
with a stirring rendition of ``It Is Well With My Soul.''
  St. Mark Choir, comprised of adults age 18 and up, is the main 
service choir of St. Mark. With more than 100 active members, the choir 
serves faithfully each Sunday morning at the 8 and 11:30 a.m. worship 
services. This group of talented vocalists from the Little Rock area 
represent the best of Arkansas, and I am proud of their efforts to 
spread music and ministry to others.
  I celebrate St. Mark Sanctuary Choir and all performers of gospel 
music for their dedication to an art form that brings a message of hope 
and inspiration to all people. That is why earlier this year, I 
submitted a bipartisan resolution in the U.S. Senate designating 
September as ``Gospel Music Heritage Month,'' to honor the lasting 
legacy of gospel music in the U.S. and around the world.
  In closing, I commend these talented individuals at St. Mark Church 
for their dedication to serving others through music and worship. I 
congratulate Bishop Steven M. Arnold and the entire congregation for 
this tremendous achievement.<bullet>

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