User:Mariomarcus

ABOUT ELDER MARCUS

My name is Mario Ricardo Marcus, I was born in Detroit, Michigan September 11 many years ago. I was born into home where I was loved and cared for. My christian journey started at the Historic Second Baptist Church of Detroit, then I migrated to the Renaissance Baptist Church of Detroit with my grandmother. Granny was a charter member under the Pastorate of the Late Dr. Robert F. Holloman Jr. and the 300 members that left Second Baptist. I was baptized in the Name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost, at the church May 1984.

My rearing years at Renaissance, I learned much about working in the church and the Michigan Progressive Baptist Convention. I went to Sunday School every week and sang in the choir and went to the state convention. I noticed that I had a love for the musical form of worship. There wasn't a organ that I didn't try to touch.

My God-Parents the late Willie and Sharon Maxwell were the Minister and Director or Music. I gained my love for Hymns, Anthems, Spiritual and Gospel from this Dynamic Duo. Willie played with an execellence par-none, and Sharon sang first soprano and directed the choir.

Age 9 William put me up to direct the Celestial Voices of Renaissance, the song was "I will call upon the Lord"

As the desire to play became more intense, my mother signed me up for lesson by the late Mrs. Alma Lyons of the Jehovah Baptist Church, were her husband served as Pastor.

After a period of lessons I found Professor Kenneth Miner, and began to study gospel organ with his studio. Where I began to play at the Vernon Chaple A.M.E. Church with Tracey Peppers and the Pastor's Choraleers.

Soon afterwards I ran into Diane Lockett, who attended the Solomon's Temple Church under the Pastorate of Bishop William Lee Bonner. Diane invited me to the church and I heard about the indwelling of the Holy Ghost. And received the gift of the Holy Ghost with the evidence of Speaking in Tongues March 8th, 1987 and was baptized in the Name of Jesus in October 1986.

During the late 1980's I served as musician for Bishop Comel Long and the Mt. Carmel C.O.O.L.J.C., as well as on the music staff of Solomon's Temple.

In 1990 I began playing for Melvin Terry and the Voices of Glory Concert Chorale. We traveled around the city singing and lifting up the name of Jesus.

In 1994 I began playing for Dr. E. LaQuint Weaver and the Hallelujah Chorus. Where I travel across the country playing.

While with Dr. Weaver I played at the Edwin Hawkins Music and Art Seminar, Gospel Music Workshop of America and many other professional Gospel forums.

After playing for the different groups I founded "Mario Marcus & Worship and Praise". After dealing with the trials of being a community choir leader I dis-banned the group after 3 years.

In 1997 my God-Father William Maxwell died and it changed my life. I met my God-Brother Gerald Ian Curley and began to expand my musical knowledge bank. Since then I've been working in the footsteps of my God-Father William. I stand proud to say I've been this way. I serve on the music staff of the Burns Seventh Day Adventist Church where my God-Parents were members.

In 2000 I joined the St. Paul Life and Praise Center under the Late Sufg. Bishop Kenneth Hoke. From 2000-2006 I served as the Minister of Music for the Northern District Council Young People Union of the P.A.W. and the Eastern District Union.

May 2002 I joined Greater Grace Temple of the Apostolic Faith, under Bishop Charles H. Ellis III. I served withe C.W.C Church Within A Church, youth department and Music Ministry withe Bishop's Choir and Celestial Voices.

2009 I joined the New Salem Baptist Church under the Pastorate of Rev. Dr. Kevin H. Johnson Sr. and I serve in the Metropolitian District Association of the National Baptist Convention U.S.A. as congress organist.

Dealing with the call on my life I continued to run from my calling. Doing all types of foolishness to try to get God to change his mind about me being a spokesman for him. But to no avail he allowed my running to just be another tool to witness to those who are doing the same foolishness.

After several years of understanding what I had to do, I accepted my calling to the Gospel Ministry. September 2009 I was licensed to preach the Gospel and became a member of the Council of Baptist Pastors of Detroit and Vicinity. I've had many ups and downs of my life. I lost some very important people and things in my life. But I stand here today still proclaiming that God is ALL. And that no matter what may come he is still in control.

In September 2010 in united with Prince of Peace Baptist church under the Pastorate of

Rev. Robert V. Echols. I served as Associate Pastor over Music.

November 2010 I was ordained under the P.U.S.H. Ministries with Prophetess Nina Nero-Fryer.

also in 2010 I became Church Administrator and Minister of Music at the Greater Landmark Temple.

I stand a witness that God forgives, he loves, and he knows best.

God is A healer and still delivers those who want to be delivered. God calls who he deems for his assignment. It's not about looks, education or background, but the anointing of God.