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.
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