Music is a heavenly gift. It is one of the only gifts that transcends the barriers of language and creed. The inspirational and charismatic music of the Bahama Brass Band stirs a range of emotions from overwhelming peace and contentment to sheer bliss.
The Bahama Brass Band (or The Big Jumper Church Band) of the Church of God of Prophecy came about as a glaring need for a music ministry in the oldest Pentecostal denomination in The Bahamas in 1925. From the outset, a handful of ordained Ministers of the Gospel who were musically gifted introduced brass instruments to the church service-, which was still in its fledgling stages during those years. The names of the founding members were Bishop Hermis A. Ferguson (first director), Bishop James R. Cooper, Bishop Alvin S. Moss and Pastor Frank H. Cunningham.
By 1927 after much preparation and rehearsals the band made its first public appearance during the church’s colonial convention which held at the Taylor Street Tabernacle.
In 1938 the membership grew to sixteen (16) and twelve (12) of the most seasoned players were selected to perform at the worldwide General Assembly in Cleveland, Tennessee. This group of musicians traveled via the motor vessel Ena K from Kelly Dock on Bay Street to Miami, Florida. Following a fund-raising concert in Florida, they rode to Tennessee on the back of a truck. Today, the world famous Bahama Brass Band (the Official Assembly Band) has been ministering to the international gathering for almost 78 years.
Recording sessions and tape mastering became an integral aspect of the Bahama Brass Band musical influence in 1956. There have been over 11 successful “Music with Spirit” albums documented that was also used as a marketing thrust for The Church of God of Prophecy globally.
The Bahama Brass Band- the all-male, generational, ministry oriented brass band, which comprises of membership belonging solely to the Church of God of Prophecy New Providence, Grand Bahama, Turks & Caicos, Andros, Eleuthera and Florida has ministered extensively throughout The Bahamas, Caribbean, United Kingdom, Continental USA, South America and Carnival Cruise Line destinations.
Other notable achievements:
- Appearance at the Bahamas Independence in 1973
- Playing at the funeral services for the late Sir Milo B. Butler (first Bahamian Governor General) and Sir Lynden O. Pindling (former Prime Minister).
- The official brass band for the international AZUSA Street Centennial in Los Angeles, California etc.
Since its inception in 1925 over 300 members have served in this band which helped to contribute to the Gospel of Christ and the building of our Bahama Land.
We are also proud to say two members of the Bahama Brass Band produced solo albums, which were distributed internationally. These were Vanderson Ferguson (on Trumpet) and Dr. Albert S. Ferguson (on Clarinet).
Today, the National Band Director and Director of Bands is Mr. David G. Beneby and he is assisted by John L. Butler, Charles Hanna, Jr., Pastor Barry Morris (G.B.), and Billy Dickerson (G.B.)
© 2015 G. Sean Gibson