Asst. Chapter Representative

Sis. Dorla D. Cummins began her appreciation of gospel music at the age of 11 singing in the Junior Choir of the Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church of San Francisco under the direction of her late uncle Dr. Justin S. Cummins.  When she graduated to the Youth Choir, there she began her career in directing. Not knowing exactly what she was doing but continuing her efforts in directing until she mastered the art.  Shortly after Dr. Cummins formed a singing group named the G.L. Bedford Specials in which she was a part.  These four young vocalist sang for special events at the church and throughout the community.  In 1969 Dr. Cummins expanded the group from four singers to fifteen.  This group would further Dorla’s appreciation of gospel music as they would travel through out the United States.  In 1970 the G.L. Bedford Specials introduced to the Bay Area the “Gospel Academy Awards”. Working along with her uncle, Dorla saw the Academy grow from its humble beginning at San Francisco’s Balboa High School to Oakland’s prestigious Paramount Theater.  For twenty years willingly, Dorla took on the task of producing this affair.  Also, Dorla was an organizing member of the Northern California Chapter of the Gospel Music Workshop of America, Mrs. Helen J.H. Stephens, Chapter Representative.  During this time, God also placed on her heart to present young women to society in a Christian setting.   From this concept  a Christian Debutante Cotillion was held each year at the San Francisco Hilton Hotel.  

 In 1976 Dorla became the ordained Minister of Music at the New Liberation Presbyterian Church, San Francisco, California The late Dr. Hannibal A. Williams, Pastor.  The choir grew from four members to over 50 members, many who were young and  had just confessed their hope in Christ.  The choir won numerous awards under her direction such as “Most Promising Choir” and  “Best Church Choir”.  This relationship would continue for over fifteen years.  During that time seeing the need to enhance the talents of others, Dorla combined The New Liberation Presbyterian Church Choir, The Disciples of Prayer Community Choir and the Christian Fellowship Baptist Church Choir and formed the Bay Area “Black & White Concert Choir”.  This choir would present an annual concert each year in a formal setting, with a lavish dinner to follow.

Dorla has served as Minister of Music at the Bible Fellowship Baptist Church, Oakland, California and Shiloh Baptist Church of Hayward, California. Under her direction the choirs again won numerous awards.  In 1981 and l994  Dorla was voted “Director of the Year”.  Her  work also includes Minister of Music of the St. John Baptist Association Matrons Auxiliary.  She has conducted workshops in choir decorum through out the Bay Area as well as being guest director for various Bay Area churches, District, State, and National Conventions.

Currently, Dorla is serving as Choir Director at the Evergreen Baptist Church - Oakland, California- Bishop Frank Pinkard, Pastor and Administrative Assistant at Macedonia Baptist Church.

In 2005, Dorla was appointed Assistant Chapter Representative for the Northern California Chapter of the Gospel Music Workshop of America.  She contributes her achievements to God’s favour as her favorite song “I Am So Grateful” forever rings in her heart.