HAWKINS, TX – April 4, 2025 – The Jarvis Christian University Concert Choir will take center stage this Friday evening at the First Christian Church of Tyler for the congregation’s annual Bonhoeffer and Martin Luther King Jr. Remembrance Program. The event, held on April 4, marks the anniversary of Dr. King’s assassination and serves as a moment of reflection on the shared legacy of justice, faith, and moral courage embodied by both Dr. King and German theologian Dietrich Bonhoeffer.
This year’s program will feature musical selections by the acclaimed JCU Concert Choir under the direction of Donald Aaron III, Director of Choral Activities, whose dynamic performances continue to elevate the university’s commitment to cultural expression, spiritual formation, and community engagement. Under the direction of the university’s choral leadership, the ensemble will offer a repertoire that weaves together spirituals, gospel, and classical selections that reflect the themes of hope, sacrifice, and unity.
The invitation to perform at this commemorative event represents more than just a musical opportunity—it affirms Jarvis Christian University’s deep and enduring connection to the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), and its ongoing commitment to supporting Disciples congregations across the Southwest Region.
“As a historically Black institution founded by the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), our roots run deep in the values of service, justice, and faith,” said Dr. Glenell M. Lee-Pruitt, President of Jarvis Christian University. “Supporting Disciples congregations is not just a reflection of our heritage—it is a reaffirmation of our mission to serve, to uplift, and to walk alongside the church in advancing a message of hope and transformation. Events like these remind us that our faith and our educational mission are intertwined, and they guide our students to lead lives of purpose and conviction.”
The Bonhoeffer and King program at First Christian Church of Tyler brings together community members, faith leaders, and students for a shared evening of remembrance and inspiration. The inclusion of the JCU Concert Choir highlights a strong bond between the university and the local congregation—a bond that exemplifies the regional and spiritual connections fostered through the Disciples of Christ denomination.
University officials note that opportunities such as these also provide students with meaningful platforms to engage in public ministry through music and to build bridges of understanding across diverse communities.
“This performance isn’t just about sharing our voices,” said one student choir member. “It’s about honoring those who paved the way, and carrying forward their message through song.”
The event will begin at 6:00 p.m. at First Christian Church of Tyler, located at 4202 S. Broadway Ave. The public is invited to attend.
For more information about the Jarvis Christian University Concert Choir or its ministry and performance schedule, visit www.jarvis.edu.
