‘Climb’n Jacob’s Ladder’ draws capacity audience at Glory Temple

Ira Philip

Created: May 25, 2013 08:00 AM (Updated: May 25, 2013 08:01 AM)

Full house: Glory Temple was packed to overflowing Sunday for what was intended to be the grand finale of Dale Butler’s inspirational, spiritual musical mystery, “Climb’n Jacob’s Ladder”. Opening act was a tribute to the late Bishop Charles Foster (Holy) Fubler by Giant Steps Bandsmen wearing cowboy hats made famous by the Bishop. When they doffed their hats, exposing their white bandows and carrying fishing rods they became ‘fishers of men’, singing the spiritual to that tune.

We have had another of those long, hectic but most stimulating weeks trying to to keep abreast either in person, or most definitely in spirit with the many events highlighting this May 2013 Heritage Month calendar.Focusing on what was billed as The Grand Finale of the four part series of Dale Butler’s star-studded production, “Climb’n Jacob’s Ladder” we were attracted to Glory Temple, the New Testament Church of God (Pentecostal) on the remote south side of St David’s Island.The Temple, which seemed to have more floor space than the national cathedral in Hamilton, was packed to capacity, including many who had seen two or three of the earlier performances.Mr Butler said later that there has been a heavy public demand for more performances, but the band and cast only have time to do one more Sunday, which would be June 9 at 4pm at St Paul AME Centennial Hall, Hamilton.He added, while the organisers are pleased with the show’s success they regret it cannot continue after that date.Sunday last the musical-mystery was under the distinguished patronage of Bermuda’s Chief Immigration Officer Dr Danette W Ming and the The Giant Steps Band led by saxophonist Max Maybury.The band was perfectly tuned in to Butler’s new-fangled approach of accenting local history through the singing and ‘acting-out’ of Negro Spirituals.Glory’s Pastor, Rev Blanche Burchall and her Glory Temple Liturgical Dancers, were lively new features of the show.Pastor Burchall preached a genuine sermonette on Jacob and how and why he found himself in the Biblical story at the foot of his ladderHer presentation culminated in a spirited altar call with respondents sincerely going forward for prayer and conversion. It was a truly real part of an otherwise surrealistic show.Dale’s star-studded cast again comprised superstar (actor) minister Glen Iris, national soprano Toni Robinson, Phiemma Caisey and her real life mother June Caisey, Darlene Hartley, Cleveland (Outasight) Simmons, Lavette Fuentes, and John Holdipp.Once more the voice of ZBM’s ace broadcaster Gary Moreno sounded most realistic in the mystery part of the show, as he signed-off, broadcasting as he put it for ‘Butler’s Broadcasting Station’.Glory Temple selected Dr Ming and former Parliamentarian (photographed below) Arthur Frederick Pitcher for honourable citations.And producers again paid tribute to the late Bishop Charles Foster (Holy) Fubler for his notable contributions.

Enjoying the show: The Amen Corner at Glory Temple was characteristically colourful and most active with stars from the cast. Sharing a front seat were New Testament Church of God Bishop Lloyd Duncan and his wife Shanda (partially hidden).

(Photo by Ira Philip)Well done: Dr Danette Ming (centre) in February 2013 was promoted as Bermuda’s Chief Immigration Officer. She was hailed Sunday as a dynamic, ordained preacher and prolific teacher at Glory Temple. She attended Elliott Primary School, Warwick Academy and Bermuda College. She holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Marketing, a dual Masters in Management and Human Resource Development; and a Doctorate of Strategic Leadership. Actor and minister, Glen Iris, assisted by cast soloist Darlene Hartley made the presentation to Dr Ming.

Thanks: Playwright Dale Butler’s wife, Myrrh, was presented with a token on behalf of herself and husband for producing the show.

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‘Climb’n Jacob’s Ladder’ draws capacity audience at Glory Temple