Ebenezer Member, Composer, Musician Passes

Story by LaTasha Hewitt

Composer and musician Allen E. Foster, a longtime member of Allegheny East Conference's Ebenezer church in Philadelphia, recently passed after battling an illness. Foster started playing the piano at Ebenezer at the age of 14 and became the choir’s accompanist at 16.

Foster began composing music in 1958 and became an accomplished hymnodist. Four of his compositions can be found in the Seventh-day Adventist Hymnal. Foster served Ebenezer as an elder and trustee member for 49 years. It was also at Ebenezer that he met the love of his life, Gwendolyn Foster, and they married in 1963. Gwendolyn served the Allegheny East Conference as health director for several years, as well as music director for Pine Forge Academy (Pa.).

“The life and ministry of Elder Allen Foster will have a resounding effect on Ebenezer today, tomorrow and throughout eternity. Only in eternity will we know the full effects of his ministry,” shares Carlos McConico, pastor.

Foster leaves behind his wife, Gwendolyn, and daughters Joya (Lysle) Follette and Angela (Maurice) Griffin. His son, Allen Jr., preceded him in death.