Birmingham is Local

 by Macy Johnson

“In my Father’s house are many rooms;

if it were not so, I would have told you.

I am going there to prepare a place for you.”

(John 14:2 NIV)

 

From the autumn of 1969 through the spring of 1972, I was the accompanist and a singer with Pensacola’s Escambia High School Rebelaires. Our director, Phyllis Merritt, disciplined our twenty-four vocal ensemble members through incredible musical creations. In 1970 we were invited to tour Europe and sing in cathedrals and concert halls.

 

In 2003 the Rebelaires reunited and invited other choirs led by Miss Merritt to join us in the formation of the Phyllis Merritt Singers. I had moved to Birmingham from the Florida Panhandle, but that did not keep me from attending rehearsals and concerts. Phyllis gave me no excuse, because according to her, “Birmingham is Local.” The frequent four-hour trek home was a joy.

 

Once I recommended a beautiful lullaby to Phyllis for the Singers. She looked at me and said, “You direct it.” I took on her challenge and directed our women’s choir to sing “Beauty Bright” by Bill Douglas at our Christmas concert, while my daughter, Libby, accompanied on her flute.

 

The Phyllis Merritt Singers performed in Washington DC, sang at the Holocaust Museum and other venues. We recorded several CDs over the years. Phyllis was the “mother” who brought us “children” together to make beautiful music to our Lord. She taught us to deny ourselves and serve others in unique and amazing ways I could never begin to explain.

 

Today, as Phyllis lies peacefully in Jesus’ arms, I have these last words for her, “Heaven is local. I will see you again soon!”

 

I will thank my heavenly Father for all the angels He has brought into my life to draw me closer to Him. I hope you will, too!