Kem Evans Remembers Columbus, Ohio, Musician Mrs. Doris L. Brown

Ed. Note: This remembrance, written by Kem Evans, is so affecting I want to share it with the Journal of Gospel Music readers. Mrs. Doris L. Brown is an example of the many thousands of music ministers who walk humbly with the Lord in their work and don’t get nearly enough attention by the larger gospel music industry.

By Kem Evans
In honor of Black History Month, I honor the memory of a legend who left a lasting legacy, the late Mrs. Doris L. Brown. She served as the Minister of Music and organist of the Ebenezer Baptist Church of Columbus, Ohio, for over 60+ years.

I fell in love with the magical instrument called the organ when I was 9 years old. As a kid (by myself), I walked down the street from where I lived, walked into a church located at 86 South Ohio Avenue in Columbus, Ohio. I walked up a flight of stairs into a large cavernous room and heard a sound I’d never heard before! Not only that, I saw my next door neighbor, sitting on a raised platform “making a large “wooden piece of furniture make that sound! Her name was Mrs. Doris L. Brown.

She was not just a musician at Ebenezer, she was the vital extension of the ministry of her husband, the late Rev. L.C. Brown, Sr., who served as pastor that church for 40+ years. A quiet, soft spoken lady, she let the organ do the talking for her on Sunday and whenever there was a service there. What was amazing was that she played with such power, but she didn’t move, sway or sweat, LOL!!!! The numerous choirs and the mass choir numbered 100+ voices. She commanded direction with a simple hand gesture or at times one or two fingers!

She never had to forcefully make her presence known, nor did she strive to make known her name for fame or limelight! Music to her was her calling and purpose for life, with God being the “center and filler of all voids that remained…” Numerous families were comforted during funerals (outside of the church confines). She would come to pay her respects, and simply sit at the piano or organ at the funeral homes and help make the service a dignified memorial. And then quietly smile, extend a sweet ” God Bless you, and I’m praying for you,” and leave without expectation of compensation.

She not only played, she was an educator. She taught lectures at numerous colleges on the history of Black Gospel music. She always was a vital part of the Columbus and Ohio cultural and performing arts arenas. She and the Ebenezer Mass Choir traveled and performed all over the place; one venue had an audience of over 65,000 in attendance. There are currently over 100+ individuals in this nation whom she taught and inspired directly who serve as Ministers of Music, musicians, vocalists, and even ministers (with musical abilities).

To me history is “my heritage!” I count myself (along with numerous others) blessed to have had direct experiences. One of my most treasured was a few years prior to her passing, I served as the Minister of Music at a church. I invited her to stop by the church one evening to see the new organ I bought.

It was a Hammond B3000 (which was her favorite). She came to the church, we talked, and I shared her impact on me. I told her I bought this type of organ because it was/is the sound that comforts me. She then shared a brief moment, she held back a few tears telling the story of when she and Rev. Brown brought the one that Ebenezer used to have. To her it was not just an organ, but the memories and moments that were made with it.

I wanted her to play it first to “christen it for service,” but she said, “No, you play something for me on it. I will play the piano.” I was so nervous and deeply humbled! She did play it though, and it was my own little personal private concert and history lesson.

I know I have posted numerous videos of her with the Ebenezer Baptist Church Mass of Columbus, Ohio, over the years. I wanted to post this clip of her by herself playing under the “power of the Holy Spirit” during a regular Sunday service. Another musical legend is accompanying her on the piano, Jonathan Wood.

Through modern technology, especially on YouTube, there are thousands of people not only in his nation but the world (France, Italy, and even Russia) who have commented how this local church organist has made a “Global Impact” with her personal expression of ministry in music. As stated, for those of us who had a direct connection, we are truly blessed!

“And I heard a voice from heaven saying, Write, Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from henceforth: yea, sayeth the Spirit, that they may rest from their labors; for their works follow with them….” Revelations 14:13