Grafton will host a world class choir this weekend and locals will have the opportunity to not only hear them but to sing with them as well.
The Sydney Staff Songsters have been described as The Salvation Army’s premier Australian choir. Formed in 1989, the group have been entertaining crowds and blessing people around the world for over 30 years.
They have toured the United States, Canada, Russia, New Zealand, China, and the United Kingdom. And this weekend they will be in Grafton.
Major Mark Williamson from the Grafton Salvation Army said that he is excited to have a group of such calibre visiting the region.
“It’s been a tough year for the Grafton Corps of The Salvation Army,” he said.
“At the end of February torrential rain meant that 600mm of water inundated our Oliver Street Hall. “Although the building has suffered flooding in the past, the scale of damage is so much greater this time.
“We’ve been out of the building for three months now and we’re hopeful that we might be back in there by Christmas.”
Usually, a group such as the Sydney Staff Songsters has their itinerary set many months in advance, but a last-minute cancellation has seen a change of plans.
“I’d say it all happened by chance if I didn’t believe that God’s hand was directing it all,” said Major Williamson.
“Someone mentioned to me that the Songsters had had a cancellation, so I sent off a message to say that we’d be pleased to host them in Grafton this weekend, and as they say, the rest is history.”
The Sydney Staff Songsters will give two performances at the Uniting Church, located at 126 Prince Street, Grafton, including a free concert at 7pm on June 4, and they will lead a combined church service on June 5, commencing at 10am.
“We’re so thankful to the Grafton Uniting Church,” Major Williamson said.
“They’ve been sharing their building in Prince Street with us since we were flooded out.
“On Sunday they’ll be leading a combined church service for The Salvation Army and the Uniting Church which everyone is welcome to attend.”
In addition to their concert and church service, the Sydney Staff Songsters will conduct two singing workshops on June 4, one for children at 11am and one for adults at 1pm.
Those who attend the workshops will be invited join with the Songsters for a number in the concert on Saturday night.
There is no charge to attend the workshops although preregistration via the Grafton Salvation Army Facebook page would be kindly appreciated.