GINA B. GOOD / PVT Ruth Rideout, Barbara Ferguson and Mary Ridley raise their voices in song during the debut of the Pahrump Valley Gospel Choir. Advertisement

The Pahrump Valley Gospel Choir gave its premiere performance Friday evening, June 26, under the direction of George Ferguson, at the Bob Ruud Community Center before an enthusiastic audience.

The group has been together about four months and sang rousing renditions of many favorite Christian songs.

"This project has been wonderful because a lot of people who have never sung before are singing music that pertains to the gospel and praises God," said Ferguson, who is forming a new church.

"We are all in this valley together and there is too much dissention here," he said. "One of the reasons we got together is to shake the devil out of this valley."

Choir members who performed were Lucy and Chuck Cass, Shirley Locket, Mary Ridley, Joann Varon, Ethel Bolton, Rachael Mace, Geri Atkins, Ruth and Jim Rideout, Barbara Ferguson, Peggy, Elisabeth and Michael Kelly, Carol Longmire, Wanda Cotton, Wende Williams, Rev. Stan Goldsbsby and Ron Dennis.

The choir practices at 7 p.m. on Tuesdays at the United Methodist Church.

Praise Dancers of Christ performed one song that left the audience wanting more. The four joyful dancers were Jaitee Pitts, age 16, Lee McNeese, Nikita Waller and Raponza Kelley. They have been together for about 18 months.

"A praise dance is used with a gospel song to energize and give happiness in praising God," said Kelley.