NEWARK — Everybody has a favorite Whitney Houston song, a memory that makes them stand still and think about how this soulful pop superstar made them feel when they heard her sing.
Remember the chill that ran through you when she sang the national anthem at the 1991 Super Bowl. How about "I’m Every Woman," lyrics that empowered her gender, providing confidence and inspiration.
Did you see how regal and elegant she looked in "The Greatest Love of All" video, telling us that she believes "the children are our future"?
But anyone who knows Whitney understands that her talent came from one place, the God she served at the New Hope Baptist Church on Sussex Avenue in Newark. This is where it all started for its daughter, where she was the darling of the choir as a child who left people speechless, belting out gospel songs and hymns.
What she did through song on Sunday mornings, the members of her home church returned the favor Sunday the only way they know how.
They prayed.
They prayed for Emily "Cissy" Houston, Whitney’s mother, the minister of music for 54 years at the church, where her family were known as the Drinkard Singers.
It’s one of the reasons Jacqueline Kimble, a 45-year member of the church, misses her friend. She and Whitney sang in the alto section of the choir.
They were teenagers, having fun, even though Kimble understood Whitney had something extra.
"She had a voice that would just make you smile, because you knew the songs she was singing were uplifting to the glory of God and she’s left an indelible mark here at the New Hope Baptist Church and around the world," Kimble said.
Brenda Knight is still taken aback by Whitney’s 12-year-old voice. She even has Whitney’s first album, from 1985 — "Whitney Houston" — which she bought for $3.99 from the Crazy Eddie electronics store.
"I will have to go dust it off," Knight said.
Everyone at the church Sunday was cloaked in the comfort of each other and their faith.
In many ways, it’s like the lyrics from Whitney’s 2009 comeback song — "I Look to You."
"After all my strength is gone, in you I can be strong," she sang. "I look to you."
The footage below shows a pre-teen Houston singing at the New Hope Baptist Church in 1973.
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