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.
Ok friends, don’t hate on me… this is just so unique that I felt like posting it. Over the years of my life, I have enjoyed many different styles of music. This song takes me back to my 20’s, except with a twist! Creds to the amazing artist who made this video.
Over the last couple of months, I have been involved with helping to coordinate a service project. A prerequisite for graduating from Union University is to serve the community through an approved service project. Our cohort discussed a few alternatives and decided to do something for the Dream Center of Jackson, TN. As of this…
It is our 2022 Thanksgiving Day holiday here in the US. Commercially, this day is skipped over as retailers salivate at the thought of making their profit margins soar during the Christmas season. Yet, Thanksgiving Day should mean more. Shouldn’t it? At the risk of sounding TOO old fashioned, I am thankful for a lot…
About a week ago, I was invited to an event at the old Central High School in Alamo, TN. A good ministry friend, Dr. John Freeman, had invited me to join him there as the Crockett Co. Alumni gathered for a fundraiser to support an important project… the Crockett Co. Community and Family Resource Center….
I am confident that most of you can relate… unless you are very, very, VERY fortunate. Some days, you feel like the negative object of the world’s scrutiny. Other days, you feel like a holder of the ultimate source of hope, ready to extinguish the evil fires of the world. Notice in the statements above,…
On this leg of the trip, we visited several more interesting places, including the awesome national monument and tremendous entertainment at Fort Hays. Raw beauty… history, Fort Hays, and Mt. Rushmore
