The Strong Sisters as they appeared on the popular Black Exposure program in 1990.
(Rev. Jean Marie Strong – Ella Strong Capers; on keyboard Faith Strong)
Faith P. Strong – Musician
October 3, 1938 – March 29, 2023
Faith Strong was born in Aliquippa, Pa. Faith was a devoted musician who started studying music at the age of 5. Her studies included piano, organ, voice, arranging and writing. She attended the Conservatory of Music of Bethlehem as a child and continued to grow under her music teacher Miss Fitch of Liberty High School and Mr. Snyder both of Bethlehem, Pa.
At the age of 9, she was the youngest musician ever elected to be voted into a position at Second Baptist Church of Bethlehem, Pa. She played for many choirs during her lifetime, Senior, Mass, Youth and Children’s choirs. She also played for the Community Gospel Chorus of Bethlehem, where the late Mr. and Mrs. Oscar Tarboro were the founders. Also, The Zionett’s and Pearls of Joy of Allentown, St. James AME Zion church choirs founded by the late Mrs. Beth Beville and daughter, Dr. Joanne Spencer.
Many concerts and cantata’s were held for the Central Baptist Association, under Mrs. Esther M. Lee of Bethlehem, PA.
One of the most memorable highlights of her life was when Mr. Tom Morgan organized the 1000 Voice Choir of the 250th Anniversary of Bethlehem Sings asked if she would participate as one of four conductors. She was humbled and honored. She worked for Western Electric of Allentown until her retirement and part of the Pioneers.
She traveled a great deal during her lifetime spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ through music when asked. She assisted her sister, Rev. Jean Strong with her ministry during her pastorate at the 2nd Traditional Missionary Baptist Church in Bethlehem, Pa. from 2003 until 2013 until its closing. Faith also recorded “You’ll Never Walk Alone” with Evangelist Rosie Wallace Brown, First Church of Love, Faith and Deliverance, Philadelphia, PA
She was not only a musician but a singer and song writer. She was a major part of the Strong Sisters recently renamed the “Strong Sisters plus one” when her niece Patricia joined.
Her father, Rev. Eugene Strong Sr., was a well-known baritone singer as well. He held many benefit concerts in the Lehigh Valley.