The Yorba Linda Gospel
Ensemble began as a small group in April of 1993 at a church
in Yorba Linda, CA under the direction of Sylvia Cotton...
This mostly white group of amateur singers outgrew the
ministries of this church
and began answering "the call" to minister to the outlying communities, counties
and states. They competed and won 1st place in 1998 in an annual
local Southern California competition (the McDonald's Gospelfest) in Los Angeles that earned them extensive exposure.
One of the highlights of their ministries include appearing
at such venues as Anaheim's Disneyland Theme Park and the Bobby Jones' Gospel
Explosion television show.
This group has been featured
in (and have hosted) hundreds of concerts, conferences and festivals and have participated
in events supporting private, local and national
causes (i.e., American Cancer Society, Habitat For Humanity,
The American Red Cross). They have been blessed to receive
many honorable mentions
and awards
along the way from community groups, businesses and organizations, and
notable California political leaders (governors, senators, and city
officials).
It was this ministry that helped launch the idea
Sylvia should develop Of Highest Order Records, a vehicle
through which this ministry and others should be supported.
Although no longer together in this form, many members have
continued to minister with Sylvia in churches and currently in the
newly developed community gospel choir,
The Orange
County Gospel Ensemble.
To all the former members of this ministry,
thank you for your commitment and participation. To
all of our loyal supporters (friends, family, church members
and those in the communities), thank you for your attendance
to our many events and concerts through the years and your
prayers. Let the following bring back good memories
and smiles. God Bless...
A Blast From The Past...
April, 1993. Humble beginnings at our then
church in Yorba Linda, CA. After enduring
"stressful" (I'm told) auditions, these few were the
first-fruits of a ministry that blossomed into an 8-year
commitment filled with all sorts of challenges,
surprises, and blessings of the Lord.
Check out the photos below to see how fast they grew!
|
|
Ministry 2nd year,
1994 |
1995 and growing...
|
|
1996 |
1997 at the
Richard Nixon Library |
|
Concert at church,
1997 |
At the Shrine
Auditorium, L.A. 1998 |
|
A Concert at Plummer
Auditorium, 1998 |
McDonald's Restaurant in Yorba Linda, CA,
|
And could they sing!
"Great
Day"
A 1995 demo recording released on a cassette...(Yes, you can still get a
copy of this CD. Just send an e-mail to
OHORecords@OHORecords.com for order info.)
These are clips from the humble demo album produced by
Sylvia Cotton.
