Meet the St. James Choir

We see and hear the St. James Choir each week, and we might know the faces. With the October 2022 Grapevine issue we continue to introduce the members of the choir, beginning with those who have served longest, and who share what it’s like to lift our praises to the glory of God and in service to St. James Parish by means of a very special ministry.

KAREN BATSON- I remember singing in my church choir, when I was twelve (and beyond) with my brothers and really enjoying it. We were not formally trained-just looked forward to being with our friends...Methodists appreciate good hymns as much as Episcopalians do! Two people inspired me to sing with the St.James Choir. Charlsie Harris was such a lovely lady who glowed with love and gentleness. Once she casually said I should participate. I felt inadequate. Then at a gathering at Bob and Ann Cook's home, we played a singing game and he suggested I join the choir. Who could say no to Bob or Ann? I joined the choir in the summer of 1999; only Carol, Billie, and Jim have sung longer. We have been fortunate to be led by the best over the years. Today we have some superb talent in our choir. I feel lucky to be part of the experience and true joy every Sunday morning.

COLEMAN BURGESS- Having grown up in Wilmington, I was fortunate to return in 1986 after 8 years at UNC-CH and open my private dental practice. After numerous unsuccessful attempts to find a new church home, St. James asked me to play clarinet for a service in 2006. It was a beautiful service and the choir immediately insisted that I return to not only play but also join the chorus! I have immensely enjoyed getting to know so many new friends and getting to know those from earlier years better. I find our communal worship spiritually sustaining and our liturgy comforting for its reverence and assuring nature. In recent years, the church’s move towards increased diversity, dignity, and love for those that are different has impressed me as true Christian values expressed in everyday life. I am very optimistic with our new leadership, that St. James and my faith will continue to thrive and grow. Since April of this year, I have transitioned my practice to a new owner, but continue to love the practice of dentistry one day a week. In addition to the church, I regularly volunteer with the Wilmington Rotary Club, St. Mary’s Dental Clinic and as a musician with the Wilmington Symphony, CODA Wind Quintet, and other churches, so there is little chance of boredom with my newfound leisure!

STEVE AND AMY LUCK- As professional musicians, finding a church with a quality music program was important to us. We both sang in the choir at our previous church in New York, and Steve has performed at many churches as a trumpet player. We knew what we were looking for musically and spiritually, and we found it at St. James on Christmas Eve in 2016. We only attended 2 more services before deciding to make St. James our church home. The choir is a friendly and caring community who made us feel welcome immediately. Coincidentally, Amy and John Sullivan attended the same college, but never met until our move to Wilmington. We feel blessed to be members of the St. James choir.

BARBARA SWANN- I started singing in the choir at Church of the Savior Lutheran Church, Paramus, NJ. My Mom was a semiprofessional soprano and always sang in the choir. While attending Paramus High School, I was in shows and had some solos. I performed in the Pirates of Penzance with the Gilbert and Sullivan Opera Co., Ridgewood, NJ. I continued to sing in the choir as I was able with my work and school schedules. We moved to Wilmington in 1990. When I set foot in St. James, I knew it was the place for me to worship! For many years, my work schedule kept me from singing in the choir. When Jack & I married, he informed me that he would not go to church if he had to sit alone! Then in 2010, I finally said, Honey, you have lots of friends you can sit with. Can we please just try it? So, I joined the choir. I have so many wonderful moments experiencing God's presence through music and lyrics! We are so very blessed to have John Sullivan as our director! John's faith shines through with his selection, composition, and arrangement of music! Thank you, John!