1948 – 2022

Dr. Helena Barrington was an anointed prophetic vessel God used for many decades to enrich lives across the nation with her music and insightful teaching and preaching. Her dedication and skill endeared her as a mentor to many artists, writers, ministers and pastors. Having written thousands of songs, including musicals, cantatas and oratorios, she was considered one of America's pioneers in the sounds of praise and worship we know today. Her songs are sung in churches around the world, and have been recorded by Integrity Music's Ron Kenoly, Alvin Slaughter, Abraham LaBoriel & Justo Almario; by Candi Staten, Reverend Darryl Coley, Urban Hope, Georgia Mass Choir and other prolific artists. Pastor Helena also composed award-winning soundtracks for PBS documentaries, and as Music Director for the Miss Black America Pageant in the mid-70's, was recognized as the first woman to conduct a band or orchestra on national television.

Pastor Helena, as she was affectionately called, established the nation's first Christian Performing Arts Academy, served eleven years as Dean of Seminars and Advisory Board member for the National College Choir Black Gospel Workshop, served on the Urban League Board of Directors, as well as several other local Boards. She was a founding Board member of the Prophetic Music and Arts Conference. Most importantly, she was a willing servant of God, desirous only of pleasing Him.