Music
Rev. Timothy Oshokoya in his own words said: “Our orchestra started with a very humble beginning but I must add that discipline and seriousness are the pillars of any good work and whenever the Spirit of God is at work, success is sure. Back in the year 1945, while the cottage meetings of this organization started at 26 Little Road, Yaba, the orchestra was born with a guitar and a mandolin. It was an orchestra of two pieces of musical instruments whose players were the two leading ministers: Timothy Oshokoya playing the guitar and Lucas Obakoya on the mandolin.
“In 1947, we had two more musical instruments: banjo and piano accordion. In 1949, we purchased two violins, one for L3 (Three pounds) and the other L3.10 (Three pounds and ten shillings) for church use.
“One Sunday morning after a sermon on 'The Divine Call', the Lord spoke to the saints and eight people dedicated their lives to join the orchestra band.
“In 1951, when I went to Portland, Oregon, we were given a good number of musical instruments: trumpets, cornets, horns, trombones and violins. During my stay there, I learnt the use of the different instruments and came back to teach others. We bought more violins, cellos and a piano. I became the instructor and the conductor of the orchestra. Many of the children of God were inspired and developed interest in music. There is no age limit in the music classes organized by the Church. Most of the players who cherished the wonderful privilege were adults whose age ranged between 30 and 50 years. Since then, there has been continuous and increased inspiration among the generality of the saints who take the advantage of the organized classes for the learning of music and playing of instruments.
“In December, 1952, we held the first musical concert. Since then, three concerts presented to the public in the year during Easter, Camp meeting and December have been a regular feature.
“I cannot forget some of our musician friends who have been of tremendous assistance to our music department over the years at different times. We are grateful to them for their counsel, constructive criticisms and training. Special tribute goes to Messers Crepp, Pedro, Kusano, Mrs Wolffe, Pa Smith, Mr Derbey to mention a few.”
Brother T was a great lover of music and he did all he could to build up the music department. He was very regular and punctual at the practice of the choir and orchestra. His words of encouragement, instructions, advice and fatherly interests in the personal welfare of every member of the choir were a very great inspiration to the group. The post
concert briefing of Brother T to the members of the choir and orchestra was a very pleasant experience indelibly printed in their memory. This helped them to consecrate deeper and be more dedicated to their call.
By nature, Brother T always desired the best for the Gospel and he was prepared to pay the price to achieve this. He showed this attitude towards the development of music right from its cradle by regularly buying organs and pianos to meet the need of the choir. Some of the ones he bought were:
1. Grand Piano in the year 1954
2. Manual Reed Organ with Pedal
3. Solina Model 110 in 1966
4. Eminent 650 Classique
5. Wurlitzer in 1977
6. Eminent Grand Theatre 2,500
7. Krumer Dp 30 Piano
8. Krumer Dp 80 Piano
He was planning to buy Kienle Electronic Pipe organ before his demise.
He encouraged members of the choir and orchestra to get their personal instruments and in order to facilitate this, he made arrangements with some saints for the regular supply of instruments at affordable prices. He also got some people trained in order to service and maintain the instruments.
As an instrumentalist, singer and conductor of the orchestra, Brother T's interest and devotion to music inspired a lot of people to develop interest and be devoted to the learning of music.