COLUMN: Carillon Flashback May 5, 2011 ‘Hallelujah’ concert gives back as good as it receives

It was a concert several months in the making, which, given the huge turnout over the weekend, was well worth the effort. “The Great Hallelujah!” with its 250-voice local choir, was well received.

“The attendance blew me away,” exclaimed organizer Danny Plett. The Christian singer, back in Manitoba for an extended stay this year, decided months ago this type of musical celebration was worth the endeavor.

“The purpose of the whole thing was to bring glory to God our Father and I feel that’s what happened.”

About 1,200 attended the concert at Steinbach Mennonite Church on Saturday and Sunday nights.

Plett said it was exciting to see the event draw in a diverse crowd.

“It was just a real celebration of faith that went beyond denomination lines,” he said.

The event was presented by the Evangelical Mennonite Conference, Steinbach Arts Council and Christian radio station CHVN.

EMC general secretary Tim Dyck says it was a rewarding effort that’s now including the chance to give back to the community. A collection at each of the concerts raised a combined $12,500. The money raised will be donated to five local groups: Youth for Christ, South East Helping Hands, Soup’s On, and the chaplain programs at Bethesda Place and Rest Haven.

YFC director Jim Harms said it was a timely donation. The local teen centre has recently purchased the former site of Computer Connections, next door to its Backstage building and plans to convert it into new space for its growing program. The funds received will go towards renovations.

– with files from Grant Burr