Powerhouse Singer Blesses Congregation And “Special Guest” At Southeast Washington, D.C. Church

Leaves Position At Ebenezer AME Church

Gospel recording artist Earnest Pugh is in an incredible season of favor. He hardly caught his breath from hitting the top spot on the BDS/Billboard Radio Chart with his song, “Rain On Us”, from his highly-acclaimed CD, EPM Music/Black Smoke Music Worldwide’s Earnest Pugh Live: Rain On Us, before he was blessed with a once in a lifetime opportunity. On Easter Sunday, April 4, 2010, Earnest Pugh had the opportunity to sing before the 44th President of the United States, Barack Obama. First Lady Michelle Obama, Malia and Sasha, were also in attendance with the President as the First Family worshipped at the 11:00AM service at Allen Chapel AME Church in D.C. for the sacred holiday.

To say that Earnest Pugh was thrilled is an understatement. “I cannot express the overwhelming joy that I felt when I saw President Barack Obama, his lovely wife Michelle and two beautiful daughters, Malia and Sasha walk through those doors,” recounts the artist. “I honestly believe my heart skipped a beat! What was more rewarding to me was to see how he and his family interacted and participated in the worship experience by standing, singing, clapping and acknowledging God’s presence. It was so surreal. As a matter of fact, I am still pinching myself to make sure this whole experience was not a dream.”

The President’s visit was a surprise and Earnest almost missed his opportunity to minister that morning, desiring to be at his own church, Ebenezer AME Church in Fort Washington, MD, for Resurrection Sunday. But with the blessing of his Pastors, Rev. Drs. Grainger and Jo Ann Browning, he accepted the invitation from contemporary gospel artist Brent Jones, newly-appointed to the role of Minister of Music at Allen Chapel AME Church.

Pugh told the Washington Post, “I could see his face as they were clapping their hands that the message resonated. That was the goal – to worship”. In addition to being blessed by Pugh’s music ministry, attendees were treated to an uplifting message from the church’s pastor, Rev. Michael Bell. D.C. Mayor Adrian Fenty and D.C. Council Member Marion Barry were in attendance as well.

God continues to do great things in Earnest’s life. He recently transitioned from Ebenezer AME Church as their Director of Worship and is looking forward to what’s next. “Life is filled with swift transitions,” says Earnest. “We must make the adjustment and be about our Father’s business. The last ten years of ministry at Ebenezer were necessary for developing me for my destiny in the kingdom. Pastors Grainger and Jo Ann Browning were very gracious to me as a member of their staff – granting me the flexibility to attend seminary where I obtained my Master of Divinity Degree from HUSD and also to accept ministry opportunities as an artist. I will miss the Ebenezer Music Department and church family greatly.”

Earnest Pugh’s latest release, Earnest Pugh Live: Rain On Us, was recorded in Washington, D.C. and debuted at #2 on the Billboard Gospel Charts in July 2009. The phenomenal praise and worship project has remained on the charts for 42 weeks and features gospel icons Richard Smallwood and Vanessa Bell Armstrong. The single “Rain On Us” is currently at the #2 spot on the BDS/Billboard Radio Charts. The artist will be releasing his second single, “The Great I Am”, to radio this week.

More… For more information about Earnest Pugh, log on to www.EarnestPugh.com.