Henrico pastor's original gospel composition featured at national convention
Rev. Dr. Zynora Davis Manson represented Henrico, Richmond and Virginia at the 59th Annual James Cleveland Gospel Music Workshop of America National Convention and New Music Seminar this summer, where she presented her original composition, “Deliver God's Message.”
Manson was the sole composer representing Virginia at the event, held July 26-31 at the Sheraton Greensboro at Four Seasons and Joseph S. Koury Convention Center in Greensboro, North Carolina.
The composition initially debuted through the Richmond Chapter of the Gospel Music Workshop of America before being selected for publication in the organization's 2026 New Music Songbook. Manson credited Richmond Chapter representative and national board member Rev. Donte McCutchen and Will Griffin, who nominated the song for consideration, as well as soloist Rev. James Lewis.
At the national convention, Manson conducted the composition and met other gospel artists from throughout the country whose music was chosen for the New Music Seminar. She also sang with the Richmond GMWA and Virginia State Chapter choral ministries.
“It was an esteemed honor to represent Richmond, Henrico and Virginia on the national stage,” Manson said. “This unique, marvelous journey started right here with the incredible support of our local Richmond Chapter, and I am thrilled to bring this national honor back home to our community while giving God glory.”
Manson has served for 18 years as pastor of Bethany Baptist Church, where she began serving as a church musician at age 11. She also spent 40 years as a music educator, including seven years in Fairfax County and 33 years in Henrico County.
From 2022 to 2024, Manson served as an adjunct professor at Virginia Union University's Hezekiah Walker Gospel Center, where she taught “The Power of Sacred Music,” a course examining the origins and cultural history of gospel music and spirituals.
Manson, who is married to Rev. Isaiah Manson, Sr., also is serving her third elected term as president of the Henrico Ministers' Conference & Vicinity. The organization promotes collaboration among local clergy and conducts educational, community and mission programs.
The conference has donated amenities, school supplies and new literature to more than 20 Henrico County schools and seven countries globally.
For workshops, contact Manson at zdmansonfulltone9@gmail.com.
