Prior to Easter 2023, I was approached by Major Cathy Simms, then corps officer at St. John’s Citadel, N.L., about the possibility of having a “small group of men sing on Palm Sunday.” The initial thought was that perhaps we could get a quartet together. We ultimately put together a group of 25 men who expressed an interest in the initiative. Palm Sunday came, and we provided musical support for the service. The response from the congregation was extremely positive, and this “one-off” event morphed into a more permanent activity.

In crafting the philosophy for the new group, care was taken to emphasize that membership was open to all men who enjoyed singing. Membership was not limited to those who attend St. John’s Citadel or just to Salvationists. The result, almost two years later, is a group of approximately 30 men, ranging in age from 14 to nearly 80, who come from three different corps in the area. Jubilate rehearses every second Monday from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. We aim to participate in a church service or a concert once per quarter. We are grateful to St. John’s Citadel for providing rehearsal time and space.

Since our formation, we have participated in services at St. John’s Citadel, including this year’s Good Friday service, and Bay Roberts Corps, N.L., and provided a program for the residents at Bishops Gardens Seniors Living complex. In November 2024, we hosted “Sing We Noel!” at the commencement of the Christmas season, along with a brass ensemble, the female voice choir Bella Nova and guest artist Darrin Martin, to sing to an enthusiastic crowd of almost 350 people. In May, Jubilate travelled to Winterton, Trinity Bay, N.L., to present a gospel concert at Trinity Hall, a former United Church that has been repurposed as a recording studio and community music hub.

Jubilate members enjoy the camaraderie the group provides as we create a musical experience that enables us to engage in both corporate worship and the larger community.

Article by Derrick Moore.