Minister Waltier “Walt” Blocker
Choir Director
Minister Waltier “Walt” Blocker serves as the longtime director of the acclaimed St. Thomas Gospel Choir at The Historic African Episcopal Church of St. Thomas in Philadelphia, the oldest Black Episcopal parish in the United States. Since 1991, he has played an instrumental role in cultivating a distinguished ministry that thoughtfully integrates the rich traditions of Black gospel music with Episcopal worship.
A native of Philadelphia, Minister Blocker pursued his studies at the Creative and Performing Arts High School (CAPA), Westminster Choir College, and the University of the Arts. As a bass soloist, he has performed nationally with esteemed organizations, including the San Francisco Opera.
Under his leadership, the St. Thomas Gospel Choir has received widespread recognition for its musical excellence, produced acclaimed recordings, toured internationally, and collaborated with prominent institutions such as the Philadelphia Pops and Washington National Cathedral.
In addition to his musical leadership, Minister Blocker is an accomplished songwriter, producer, vocal coach, actor, speaker, and mentor. Ordained at the age of twelve, he remains steadfast in his commitment to proclaiming the Gospel through sacred music and ministry.
Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
The St Thomas Gospel Choir
The Choir is Fully Vaccinated from the Covid-19 Virus
The ST. THOMAS GOSPEL CHOIR is based from and represents The Historic African Episcopal Church of St. Thomas that was founded by the Reverend Absalom Jones in 1792 in Philadelphia, PA. The current rector and overseer is The Reverend Canon Father Martini Shaw.
The STGC currently consists of 60 spirit-filled, energetic, singers, ministers and musicians of all ages and backgrounds.
The choirs membership represents over 15 different area churches and is open to anyone who loves God.
The STGC shares their music ministry at over 100 services, programs, concerts, and celebrations of all kinds every year.
Some of the choir’s ministry highlights include:
*STGC are the winners for the PHL Live Event held in Philadelphia as the 2016 Best in the Philadelphia Area in Gospel Music Category,
*Traveling to Memphis, TN in June of 2016 for the Rhythm of Gospel Awards and winning 2 awards
(Traditional CD of the Year and Producer of the Year)
*The STGC was selected to make a cameo appearance in Ralph Celestin’s movie “Boston2Philly, 2016
*In 2016, The Installation of Bishop Daniel G. P. Gutierrez, the 16th Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Pennsylvania
*In 2015 STGC was the featured choir for the Installation Services held at the Washington National Cathedral for:
The current Presiding Bishop Michael Curry, the 1st African American Presiding Bishop for the United States Episcopal Churches and in 2006, the former Presiding Bishop, Katherine Jefferts Schori, the 1st female Presiding Bishop for the United States Episcopal Churches
*2014, Ministering at the National Convention of Gospel Choirs & Choruses (NCGCC) for their annual Founders Day held in New Orleans, LA
*STGC took part in the stage play “The Events” held at the Annenberg Theater in 2014
*Sang the national anthem for the Philadelphia Phillies in 2014, 2017,2018 and 2019
*STGC was the featured choir for the National Episcopal Youth Event, held at Villanova University in 2014
*In 2013, STGC Won 1st Place for the Northeast Regional Competition for “How Sweet the Sound” and also winning the Hope Line Award (This Live Concert/Competition was held at Radio City Music Hall to a sold out audience in New York City)
*In April of 2008, STGC was the featured choir at the World Women’s International Summit held at the Washington National Cathedral
*STGC was featured during the historic moving of the Liberty Bell to its new pavilion in 2003
*STGC has been featured on CBS 3 Talk Philly as well as ABC and Chasing News
*Regularly sings at The Barnes Foundation, the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, the Philadelphia Museum of Art, the Philadelphia Constitution Center, and the Woodmere Art Museum
*Ministering at the Installation services of Rev. Betsy Ivey, Fr. Angelo Wildgoose, Fr. Isaac Bonney and Rev Brandon Joynes
*Chosen 300 ministries, several nursing homes, churches, schools, synagogues, weddings, funerals, festivals and celebrations of all kind
The STGC Music Recordings:
The music ministry of STGC has already reached thousands of thirsty souls and continues to reach many more. STGC released full music compilation CD’s in
2003: “Worship & Praise"
2006: “The Anointing Makes the Difference"
2009: "Glorious is Thy Name"
2015:“Glorious Is Thy Name" (Re-Released with the Tate Music Group)
2015: "Jesus”
2017: "Jubilant Sounds of Christmas"
Other CD Recordings Include:
2015: The Philly Pops, David Charles Abel, Guest Conductor, Christmas Extravaganza
2015: Lee Whitaker’s, Prepare Ye the Way of the Lord
2011: Kikoriki-Team Invincible, Russian Movie Soundtrack
2010: Rhythm of Gospel Awards, Top Tunez
2007: Novartis, Lighten the Load
2004: Lee Daniels, The Woodsman, Movie Soundtrack
The St Thomas Gospel Choir has performed as far as San Jose and Limon in Costa Rica
also the STGC did an 11 day tour in Rome, Venice and Florence Italy in June of 2018.
The STGC also has also shared their joyous music at the Philadelphia Kimmel Center with the Philly POPS Orchestra for 9-11 performances during their Christmas Spectacular Concert series in December for the past 15 years and will join them again this Holiday Season.
Meet the Choir
