More than a dozen choir robes from a Shelton church are now being used by a choir in Africa.
St. Paul’s Episcopal Church recently donated its set of used choir vestments to the Joyful Melodies choir group at the Mzuzu Church of Central African Presbyterian.
The gift was arranged because a member of the church is currently studying at the University of Bridgeport, and attending the First Presbyterian Church of Fairfield. Alfred Mwalwanda, of Malawi, Mzuzu, Africa, is a senior at the University of Bridgeport studying accounting.
When his wife, who is still home in Africa, indicated the need for new choir vestments for her choir, Joyful Melodies, he contacted Laurie Birch, the organist at First Presbyterian, to see if some could be located.
A plea went out through the American Guild of Organists network, and Bernadette Aubin Allan, organist at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Huntington was quick to respond. St. Paul’s had just purchased new vestments and was delighted to donate their used robes. The transfer was made with shipping costs contributed by David Hill, also of First Presbyterian.
“I would add that Alfred is an outstanding student.” says Mr. Hill. “Prior to coming to the United States he was a banker. He hopes to use his accounting skills to help businesses in Malawi to better qualify for bank loans, which could have far-reaching results. Alfred is a devout Christian, and a living example of ‘faith in action.’ This whole story is an example of the potential of networking within the church community.”
A thank you note was recently received from Mzuzu including photographs of the choir indicating their delight with this donation.
