Praise band performs Sunday worship

Some students have found a way to combine what they love to do with their personal beliefs; the Praise Band offers that for some Ottawa University students.

The Praise Band is a group of students who perform together before worship services. This group of 9 kicks off evening worship at 9 p.m. every Sunday in the chapel, usually drawing in a crowd of about 40 people.

Freshman Keith Niemeyer, a new member of the praise band really enjoys it.

"I am a musician at heart and all I do revolves around Christianity and music," Niemeyer said.

Another member of the group is Sam Warshawsky, a freshman from Ottawa.

"It's what I do," he said. "You have the athletes who come here to play sports and I come here and play music."

The Praise Band was started by a Brian Hutton and since has grown. Although 9 does not sound like a lot, its enough people for the group to be split into two teams. The separate teams allow the members to alternate weekends.

The members of the Praise Band say that more people are coming to evening worship
now. Their upbeat and lively entertainment may be to credit for the increase of worshipers.

Cole Meeks, freshman, is becoming a regular visitor.

"My girlfriend took me one Sunday and since then I go when ever I get a chance," Meeks said. "It's nothing like going to church with my grandmother, I like the music and the messages."

Tyler Hazen, senior, encourages that more people attend the services.

"There is always room for more, we love seeing new faces in the congregation," Hazen said.

Sometimes the group can be seen at the Baptist Church performing. If anyone wants to attend a Sunday evening service and happens to forget the time, it is listed in the student agenda on the calendar.

After chapel ends on Sundays, often times, the band meets in the lobby of Bennett hall and has a jam session.

All are invited and welcomed to join.