Adventist singer Phipps says impact of inauguration far-reaching

Adventist minister Wintley Phipps sings "Amazing Grace" at the United States Inaugural Prayer Service at Washington D.C.'s National Cathedral, Wednesday, January 21. Phipps says the election of an African-American president has positively impacted African-American youth. [photo courtesy National Cathedral]

Grammy-nominated gospel singer Wintley Phipps sang "Amazing Grace" for newly sworn-in President Barack Obama during the Presidential Inaugural Prayer Service on January 21. Phipps, a Seventh-day Adventist pastor, said his solo was an honor and a blessing, he told the TCPalm newspaper in Florida.

Phipps, who has performed at past presidential inaugural events, is used to singing in front of distinguished audiences, and he said the Prayer Service was no exception.

"What was particularly interesting was that the Secretary of State, Mrs. Hillary Clinton and [former] President Clinton were present," Phipps said during an interview with the Adventist Review. "A number of members of the Cabinet and Senator John McCain [President Obama's 2008 rival] and Senator Joe Lieberman were also there. It was a very powerful service. It's an awesome place to sing at."

Phipps commented on what the new President will mean to a particular segment of American society.

"We have no idea of the impact that President Obama's ascendency is going to have on the hearts and in the minds of young African-American children. It is beyond anything we can really calculate or imagine," he said.

Phipps is also the founder of the U.S. Dream Academy, a nonprofit organization providing children of inmates with mentoring and education.