Bonnie Green Memorial Benefit

The Echoes were one of five groups who gathered at the Golden Circle Center in Golconda, Illinois, to remember Bonnie Green. Bonnie died on December 26, 2009, from cancer.

Bonnie was the wife of Billy Green, who was one of the founding members of the Echoes from Calvary back in 1970. Billy and Bonnie also labored in God's vinyard for many years, as they ministered first at the Gospel Mission, in Golconda, and then established the Gospel Mission Tabernacle outside Golconda. After Billy's retirement, they both continued to have a significant presence in the Golconda community.

Our own David McGan was honored to be asked to emcee the evening. And those singing were also happy to lend their God-given talents to help provide the community an opportunity to contribute to a lasting memorial for Bonnie.

Singing for the event were Joe Irwin and Friends, Thelma Cruson, The Echoes from Calvary, Lowell "Butch" Gowins, and The Baker Family. They all sang to an enthusiastic full house, where people enjoyed the singing and the open refreshment center. There's nothing better than listening to great Gospel music and eating delicious home-made cookies, brownies and other snacks.

A very generous offering was collected midway during the evening. As David put it, the first 4 "acts" were singing in preparation to give; and the Baker Family wound up the evening in "Celebration" of the generous offering.

Billy Green spoke at the conclusion, thanking those in attendance. He commented that the songs truly ministered to him, that the message in each song served to bring him comfort. So, that was another "benefit" of the benefit singing.

That's just like God. He uses songwriters to minister to us. If you have a trial in your life, put on some Gospel music and listen to the words. God will speak to you and give you comfort and direction through those songs. We guarantee it; it's happened time and time again for us, too.

Saline County Singing Convention

Keeping a tradition established over the past few years, the Echoes from Calvary were the featured guest singers at the first Saline County Singing Convention of the new year. Since assuming his role as President of the organization, Harold Hicks has booked the Echoes to appear at the January singing, and has held it at the same location, the Rudement Social Brethren Church on Rt 34 south of Harrisburg, Illinois. As usual for January, it was cold outside, but the Spirit was warm in the building.

While many similar events have seen declining attendance over the years (or have even ceased to exist), the house was almost full at Rudement. If you like to sing, attending a convention is a good opportunity, as anyone who wishes to offer a couple of numbers is invited to do so.

After a couple of congregational songs, the Echoes took to the mics for several songs offered to a receptive crowd. Then it was time for others to sing or play musical instruments. It was good to see Alma Young once again and hear her sing. Alma served as President of the Saline County convention for a few years prior to Harold Hicks assuming that role. Harold's father, Earl Hicks, was the long-time President of the Convention and also a very close friend of the Echoes. We all miss Brother Earl, but Harold is doing a good job carrying on the tradition.

It was a good afternoon, enjoying the great gospel of Jesus Christ in song, with old friends. You're invited to attend a convention, too. They're held at various venues on the 1st Sunday of each month, at 2:00pm. Check out the location by watching for announcements in the Daily Register newspaper (Harrisburg).