I went to an old-fashioned gospel singing jubilee on Friday night. It was a wonderful event, filled with memories and joy. Many of the artists ministering to us were old friends and I traveled around and sang with many of them… oh, let’s say… over 20 years ago. This was during the years when I sang baritone for the Kindred Spirits. I’ll post several pictures below for you to see and “maybe” even a short audio clip taken with my phone that night.
This night had another purpose which was poignant and, I am sure, difficult for the members of the Master’s Call singing group. This was their farewell performance as a group, after many many years of singing together on the road. Their “retirement” is due to the other elements of their lives, including Mickey’s position as pastor of Oakfield Baptist Church and the overall business of their lives. All of their group serve the Lord in multiple capacities and Denise is on staff with CEF of Greater Jackson as office administrator. Now, let’s get back to a few memories 🙂
Joan Gregory sang that night and I knew her family as a long-standing powerhouse in local gospel music over the years. She sings solo now, but I remember the days of The Jones Family, Gospel Edition, and when I took part in recording sessions at Bobby Jones studio over in Bells, TN.
Jay Arrington was one of the first people to greet me at the singing and I remember when he was a little boy. His dad did a good bit of MC’ing and concert promotion back in the day. I have known his mom for years and Jay has always been quick to step up and help CEF when we organize local singings / benefits. Rusty Petty was there too. I remember when Rusty played piano for the Gospel Edition way back when. Both these men now sing, along with Jay’s wife and another fellow that I don’t know well, as Living Truth.
Eddie Long and his family group sang last night and I instantly remembered his brother Steve and those many years ago, hearing Steve share his powerful testimony and singing “He’s Got An Angel Watching Over Me.” Mike McMinn and Tony Stevens were there too… man, what memories!
Poppa Royce Barnett and his crew were there and, again, I was catipulted back to the days when we all traveled around and sang together as members of the Gibson County Gospel Music Association. They have always been good to me and never have come across as haughty or “out of reach.”
Moving on… I talked with Barry and Bart Ross and that reminded me of their dad, Bill Ross and his bright red hair and rather outgoing personality! Yes, indeed, I have enjoyed singing in Miflin, TN with those guys in years gone by.
I’ll wrap up with a little more about Master’s Call. I traveled for a little over 20 years singing with a quartet and I remember how hard it was for me to step away from the group and start moving toward a life in missions. For all of them… Mickey, Denise, Tommy, Jeremy, and Jimmy… God bless you all as you take another step in this journey with the Lord. I appreciate you and all you have done for me and for CEF.
You may not know that my musical tastes tend to be a bit eclectic. Rather that debate about the value of different genres, I’ll just say that it is OK… you have a right to your preferences and I have a right to mine 🙂 Now, the song listed below comes from a public space…
A few days ago, I was invited to attend a Sunday evening service at Poplar Heights Baptist Church in Jackson, TN. I have developed a good relationship with their pastor, Richard Bragg, and I can say that we have a lot of the same views about modern church life and the need to be out…
I’ll be home for Christmas… but just where is my home? If I am honest with you, the last several weeks have not been awash with seasonal joy or holiday cheer. The Christmas songs wafting in the air have peaked my interest now and again. Serving the community through an excellent outreach program made me…
If you are reading this, know that my family and I wish you a blessed Christmas this year… filled with peace, love, and joy. May Jesus shine forth in your life… now and always. Click the media player below to listen to a song that I recorded in 2011 while I was in Europe. It…
Now and then, Dawn and I start our Saturday morning routine by going to eat breakfast at a Denny’s Restaurant not too far from our temporary home. Whenever we do this, we pass by the hotel that you see in the featured picture above. I always mention to Dawn that this reminds me so much…
You have to love it when a plan comes together… right? Sunday was one such day. Mission Jackson volunteers, Englewood Baptist Church Sunday school members, City of Jackson Police officers, Mundt Rental Properties, and members of the Jackson Lions Club worked in unity to reach out to the community near Guardian Courts ( aka, MJ…