Base personnel invited to gospel concert, church anniversary Published Feb. 25, 2009 By 2nd Lt. Christine Darius 305th Air Mobility Wing public affairs McGUIRE AIR FORCE BASE, N.J. -- The Gospel Service Joy Night Concert will be held March 7, 6 to 8 p.m., at the Fort Dix Main Chapel. All base personnel are invited to attend. The show will consist of the legacy of gospel music from the beginning to the present day, and many of the performers have years of experience, said Reverend M. Jamal Foster, Gospel Choir director and Navy Reservist. "The concert will allow family members of retired Air Force and Army servicemembers to gather to honor the inception of the gospel choir," said Cynthia Bush, Airman and Family Readiness relocation and family life community readiness consultant. The first gospel congregation, originally known as the "Soul Service," was held at the Fort Dix Chapel 34 years ago. The 34th Church Anniversary will be held March 8, 11:30 a.m., at the Fort Dix Main Chapel. "The Fort Dix gospel congregation is the oldest gospel congregation in the Army," said Chaplain (Maj.) Allen Raub, assistant installation chaplain. "It is the original and the first." The Fort Dix Chapel congregation is like a family - many members have been around for their whole lives. "My children were all raised attending the gospel choir here, and my husband had his funeral service here -- there is a lot of history for me," said Geneva Couch, an 84-year-old widow of an Army servicemember. She has been attending the Fort Dix service since 1975. She was one of the original members of the gospel service and will be one of the choir members participating in the Gospel Service Joy Night Concert. For more information about the concert or anniversary, call (609) 562-2020.