Donald Casimere was a member of the choir at Ephesians Church of God In Christ, when Edwin Hawkins was both the church organist and choir director. He shares his experience as a baritone-bass on the original recording of the album, “Let Us Go Into The House of The Lord” which included the recording “Oh Happy Day”.  Donald describes Edwin’s ability to bring out the best in every voice in the choir. He provides a unique perspective on the era. He received a very low draft lottery number and chose to enlist in US Air Force at the height of the Vietnam War when “Oh Happy Day” became a hit. He reveals the impact of being a young, black man from Berkeley, who was placed in the jungle of Thailand during a time of war, as a testimony to his faith.

Highlights:

• Donald joins the choir, along with his sister Bonita and brother, Ronald. They perform on the original recording of the  ‘Oh Happy Day” album and reflects upon the presence of the Holy Spirit during the recording;
• Donald graduates Berkeley High School and enrolls in the Police academy, then is suddenly decides to enlist after receiving a low draft lottery number;
• Donald is with a group of Black GI's in a remote outpost in Thailand when “Oh Happy Day’ is played on the radio; and
• Edwin’s music represents a new sound in gospel music. Church leaders are divided in their approval, with the debate of “holy vs worldly music”.

In the next episode, Diane Williams talks about the impact of growing up in a strict Pentecostal household, becoming a teenage mother, and being ostracized by her family as the biggest challenge of her life.  A last-minute opportunity to join the choir on tour came up after her son was born. And with the support from her mother after Ed said she could tour with the group her mission to be an advocate for young girls who find themselves in similar situations she went through.