Calvary Baptist Church Choir Joins National Voices for Patriotic Concert at Kennedy Center
ASHLAND, OH — Members of Calvary Baptist Church’s worship choir recently returned from an unforgettable journey to the nation’s capital, where they joined hundreds of fellow singers for the 8th Annual Celebrate America concert at the prestigious John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C.
Led by Worship Pastor Josh Cehulik, the Ashland-based singers were part of the 350-voice American Festival Choir, which brought together participants from churches across the country for a stirring musical tribute to the United States and its veterans.
The July 3 concert featured performances with celebrated Christian artists Sandi Patty, Charles Billingsley, and April Duren, creating a powerful blend of patriotic and worship music. The evening’s program included beloved selections such as The Star-Spangled Banner, God Bless America, Battle Hymn of the Republic, and How Great Thou Art, culminating in a heartfelt tribute to both veterans and active-duty military personnel.
“Words cannot describe the passion, gratitude, excitement, and celebration that filled Kennedy Center,” said concert producer Phil Barfoot, who described the performance as one of the most moving in the event’s eight-year history.
The multi-day experience for the Calvary choir extended far beyond the Kennedy Center. During their time in Washington, the choir performed at the Lincoln Memorial and the World War II Memorial, with each location adding emotional weight to their mission of honoring service and sacrifice.
One of the most powerful moments came on the evening of July 2, when the choir led an impromptu worship and prayer service inside the Capitol rotunda. According to congressional aides, the moment was “deeply meaningful at such a difficult time,” offering a spiritual pause amid national tensions.
In another solemn event, choir members took part in a wreath-laying ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery’s Tomb of the Unknown Soldier—an act that further underscored the theme of remembrance and gratitude.
Churches from across the United States were represented in the American Festival Choir, including congregations from Texas, Virginia, and Florida, among others. For those from Ashland, the experience was both a musical milestone and a deeply personal expression of patriotism.
“To perform in these iconic places, alongside so many others united in worship and thanks, was an incredible and emotional moment for everyone,” said Pastor Cehulik. “It’s something we will never forget.”
The American Festival Choir’s ongoing participation in Celebrate America continues a growing tradition of uniting church choirs from across the nation in a shared mission: blending musical excellence with a passionate tribute to the country’s heroes—past and present.
For Calvary Baptist Church’s choir, the experience was not just about music—it was about honoring the heart of a nation.
