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.
The image used for this article is a variation of the Mandelbrot Set. You may ask, “what in the world does the Mandelbrot Set have to do with anything?” Well, let me tell you a story… Yesterday, I was writing a college paper for a math class regarding Benoit Mandelbrot and his discovery called fractal…
Tonight, I was blessed to visit Davidson Chapel Cumberland Presbyterian Church for a wonderful “first night” revival service. The pastor there, Corey Cummings, invited me and all our Gathering friends to attend. The revival preacher was Corey’s pastor from his youth, Bro. Don Franks. The evening started with a lovely add-a-dish meal that was awesome!…
A few weeks ago, I attended the “swearing in” of Mr. Arthur Boykin as the first African-American mayor of Humboldt, TN – my hometown. I love Humboldt and I felt it appropriate to witness this event first-hand. The occasion was filled with energy and anticipation. I arrived at the Humboldt Hospital Conference Center about 20…
I see it all the time. That internal conflict, especially within younger children, that causes them to cringe in larger gatherings. It also causes them to stray to the far side of a room when all the “cool kids” start boasting about their over-hyped accomplishments. In some small way, I hope this post will encourage…
This post will be a little different, but it is important. Last night, our Gathering group of believers had a special guest. He is Kate Cumming’s dad, Dr. Joseph Hames and he has been a medical doctor for over 40 years. He spent many years as an emergency room doc, then made a switch to…
Last night at Englewood Baptist Church, a large group of men were BLESSED to hear Dr. Tony Evans and Pastor David Jett speak at the 2024 Maximum Man Conference. I was there and can say it was a huge blessing and encouragement. I saw many many men of stature from around West Tennessee who represented…
