Traffic slowed to a snail's pace as automobiles parked in three lots, bringing people to West Point Missionary Baptist Church recently, where its members were coming to extol Gospel Queen Albertina Walker's life, career and contribution to the church.
Inside, ministers, musicians and members packed the church from wall to wall to hear individuals pay tribute to The Queen of Gospel. Right from the beginning after Rev. L. Bernard Jakes provided a warm welcome to guests and visitors the music began, not the kind of gospel marketing sounds by which the entertainers make, but it was singing deeply involved with passionate outpouring of the amazing graze.
Righteous sound reigned in torrents of love in words and deeds from the singers and preachers.
Victory Travelers sang, with tremendous enthusiasm. Kim Stratton can really sing and the various registers of her voice were superbly etched as she delivered "You Are Jehovah". Operation/PUSH delivered "Let It Go-Let It Be." DeAndre Patterson, with a lyrical vitality, sang "My Heavenly Father Watches Over Me."
Rev. Jakes invited the various ministers present, approximately 50, to provide spoken tributes to Queen Albertina. They were very generous in telling how she had never turned them down when requested to perform at their church for programs, religious services or for just making guest appearances.
In response, The Queen said, "I never thought that I would receive this expression of love when I was a little girl. I just loved to sing and was happy when asked to give my talent to the Lord." She also mentioned James Cleveland and others who were her inspiration. She sang a medley of tunes and then set down to listen to others sing.
"Order My Steps" came from the soul of Mi Mi Red with uninhibited fervor. The sentiments of that song was overwhelming as its sounds vibrated from her luxuriant lower textures to its thrilling ecstasy -- even to a high "C" or two backed by the many voices in the choir.
In her is a vocal instrument that no opera voice could resemble this innate talent of Mi Mi Red.
Dorothy Norwood, who had performed with the Caravans, praised Queen Albertina and then called the other Caravans to perform with her on "Lord Keep Me Day By Day."
Pam Morris from the Mayor Richard M. Daley's office, served as Mistress of Ceremonies for the tribute.
Photograph (Albertina Walker and the Caravans)
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