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Psalm 100 reminds us to make a joyful noise unto the Lord, serving God with gladness and coming before his presence with singing. Armell Stroud, educator, entrepreneur, entertainer, and man of faith was the embodiment of Psalm 100, a leader of the band.

Through it all Brother Stroud was a man of God holding firmly to Jesus.He led the band in Psalm 100 fashion giving freely of his musical gifts, playing, singing, teaching, and serving with gladness for many churches in Athens and beyond. Including our church, The Greater Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church where he played for us until God called him home.

A renaissance man Brother Stroud led the band with excellence. As an educator, he led the band as an innovator in the classroom exposing students to art, beauty, and culture. As an entrepreneur, he led the band furthering his father’s legacy by successfully operating night clubs, apartment houses, and other businesses. As an entertainer, he led the band performing with alltime Jazz greats thrilling audiences worldwide with his talents.

As we mourn the passing of this leader of the band let us take solace in these lyrics from the singer, songwriter Dan Fogelberg:

“The leader of the band is tired And his eyes are growing old But his blood runs through My instrument And his song is in my soul My life has been a poor attempt To imitate the man I'm just a living legacy

To the leader of the band.”

Father God, thank you for Brother Armell Stroud, a Godly leader of the band.