Holiday Belles

By Brian Livingston

November 27, 2007 09:34 pm

— The sanctuary of Central United Methodist Church in Meridian was filled with the holiday sounds that bring so much joy to so many.
At the forefront of the group was Ginger Stevens, urging the all woman a capella ensemble to give just that little bit extra for the Wesley Belles fund-raising concert set to begin at 7 p.m. Thursday at the church in downtown Meridian. 
“These women are singing ambassadors for the Wesley House and the children we help there,” said Stevens, who is also the director of the Wesley House Community Center. “Last year they were able to raise more than $51,000 through their concerts.”
The Wesley Belles was established six years ago when Stevens began making inquiries as to whether an all woman group could be successful. It was a classic example of be careful what you asked for because as soon as word got out a group was assembling, women from all walks of life and denominations wanted to join.
Frances Rush and Russ Anderson are two of the original members of the group. Their love for music and the desire to volunteer their time to a very worthy cause led them to become one of the Belles.
“I was looking for an avenue in which I could sing and volunteer my time,” said Rush. “We’ve evolved with members coming and going but we’ve managed to keep the group together for the sake of the children.”
“I had a strong will to help the children any way I could,” added Anderson. “I wanted to help, be a volunteer for the children.”
The concert is free. A love offering will be taken up during the concert. All proceeds will go to the children’s programs, especially the Christmas program, that is rapidly approaching. 
Many of the women, such as Delores Bailey, were surprised at the depth of the group as she found out quickly it is as much of a ministry as it is a collection of talented singers.
“I’m one of the new ones in terms of joining the group,” said Bailey, a pastor at the Shady Grove Church of God. “I admit I didn’t know that much about why the group was together but it is truly a ministry of women from many denominations who have come together for one cause.”
If Thursday’s concert is out of reach, then patrons can catch the Wesley Belles and DaCapo performing Dec. 16 at St. Patrick’s Church in Meridian beginning at 4 p.m. 

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