The Sanctuary Choir of The Greater Abyssinia Baptist Church was organized 53 years ago under the directorship and organization of the late Mrs. James Pitts Caviness, former First Lady of The Greater Abyssinia Baptist Church. The choir gives a concert each year in celebration of its anniversary. It leads the worship services each first and second Sundays within the month and whenever called upon.

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The late Mrs. Caviness was a renowned classically trained contralto, an artist in her own right and served as the choir’s first directress for three decades until her untimely death. She was the wife of the Pastor, Rev. Dr. E. Theophilus Caviness and mother to a son, Rev. Theophilus James Caviness, Sr., and a daughter, Ms. Theodosia Jacqueline Caviness-Tucker, who is also member of the choir. Whenever Mrs. Caviness took the podium, everyone knew they would be in for a true spiritual treat because of her great passion for the gospel and her accomplished musicianship.

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When Mrs. Caviness took a short hiatus, the late Professor Pemberton Steele took the directorship helm and led the choir. Mr. Steele was a counselor, as well as, a music teacher in the Cleveland Public Schools. He also organized The Greater Abyssinia Baptist Church Male Chorus, who just celebrated their anniversary on yesterday.

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After the untimely passing of our beloved Mrs. Caviness, Professor Finley A. Lanier took on the responsibility as choir director, along with his other duties which included being the church organist and the director of the Evangelistic Choir. He served the choir for over two decades continuing to engage the choir in its presentation of “sacred music” until his passing on Sunday, March 1st of this year.

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Without hesitation after the passing of Professor Lanier, Professor Tremell Yarbrough, the church pianist and director of the Gospel Choir took on the directorship of the Sanctuary Choir. With his God-given talents, he continues the tradition of instructing the choir with great anthems, moving spirituals and soul-stirring hymns.

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It is the choir’s constant goal to present a well-rounded selection of sacred music, keeping in touch with our African-American Heritage and Culture and to give glory, honor and praise to our Heavenly Father.