Our Purpose

The Mass Choir's aim is to serve and praise the Lord through song because God is good and worthy to be praised. If in the process souls are saved, we will have achieved our true purpose and accomplished what God really intended for us to do.

Our History

In June 1997, the Rev. Eugene E. McAshan was assigned as pastor of Bethel, Copiague along with his lovely wife, Jewel Delores. At that time, Sister Fannie Beasley was asked to chair a fundraiser for the Missionary Society. After some thought, she suggested that the missionaries present a musical program and that Sister Jewel, who was a musician, be asked to serve since other musicians of the church were busy with other projects. The program was a success. In 1998, Rev. McAshan expressed his desire to purchase a new soundboard. Sister Eva Crews suggested that the choirs of the church present a concert and was named by Pastor McAshan as Chairperson of the Sound System Committee. Plans went into effect and thus, the Mass Choir was formed with Sister Jewel D. McAshan, Minister of Music at Bethel-Copiague, as its Director. The very first concert, which featured a "Tribute to James Cleveland," was held on November 8, 1998 as the Mass Choir sang to a full house. A new sound board was installed.

Since then, the Mass Choir has continued their Annual Concerts. Held in mid-December, they always feature a "Touch of Christmas" to facilitate the spirit of the season. The twinkling lights, candlelight service, and carols all give special meaning to the celebration of the Birth of the Christ child.

The Mass Choir has traveled to North Carolina twice and has given a benefit concert for St. Marks AME Church in Kingston, New York raising over $2000. They have given a benefit concert for the Manhattan South Area Women's Missionary Society, and each year proceeds from their annual concerts are set aside for the building fund for a new annex for Bethel-Copiague.