WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. — The Wake Forest University Gospel Choir was a home away from home for a lot of students and a church away from the home church.  Both past and current choir members lifted joyful songs to God on Sunday as they celebrated their first reunion Sunday.

The reunion was the first of what the singers said they hope to make an annual occasion. The choir has been around since 1973.  Among those who came was Betty Chambers, class of 1977, who said she is pleased that the college singers of today include people of different races. It wasn’t like that when she was a black student from rural Cedar Grove, a distinct minority on a mostly wealthy white campus.