Pope County All-School Reunion

The Echoes returned to the Pope County Courthouse Lawn in Golconda, Illinois, to participate in the 2010 Pope County All-School Reunion. We say "returned," because the Echoes first sang in this location in the early 70's for their Annual Appreciation Singings that they held for several years.

This time around, it was to sing for the kick-off Gospel Singing that the All-School Reunion committee planned. Also appearing at the event were "Joe and Friends," of Harrisburg, IL, and "Cross Harmony," of Metropolis, IL.

The Echoes kicked off the evening with a number of songs to uplift Christ. David even allowed the crowd to get involved, as he invited them to wave for the camera. The photo subsequently appeared on the Echoes' Facebook page (www.facebook.com/echoesfromcalvary).

God blessed the evening with beautiful weather -- might even go so far as to call it near-perfect. That helped remove any distractions and focus on the message in each of the songs. And as we gather to reminisce about times past, it's a good time to think about God's goodness.

Following the Echoes were "Joe and Friends." We've sung with them before, and always enjoy their old-time country-flavored songs. They sing some of the songs we heard as we grew up, as well as original compositions by Joe Irwin (the "Joe" of the group). Their ministry primarily is nursing-home based.

The final group for the evening was "Cross Harmony" of Metropolis. This trio sings in a similar style (and songs) as the Echoes. They did a fantastic job of sharing the Gospel, too. And we really appreciate being able to use their sound system (and their sound engineer, Brandon). The Echoes had not had the opportunity to sing with Cross Harmony before, but we hope we get to once again before long.

We're all ministers, as David reminded everyone as he introduced our last song of the evening, "Preach The Word." We were honored to have the opportunity to minister once again at the Pope County All-School Reunion.

McCracken County Fair

Did anyone say it's been hot the last few days? Well, it sure was as the Echoes traveled to Paducah, Kentucky, to participate in the Gospel Singing night at the McCracken County Fair.

Also appearing at the event were the Liberty Boys and For Heaven's Sake. Darvin Stom, President of the West Kentucky Gospel Music Association, served as emcee for the evening.

The Liberty Boys kicked it off with a number of songs that took the audience back to the Southern Gospel Quartet style popular in the 50's. These gentlemen have been singing just about as long as the Echoes -- well over 30 years. And they were "hot" in more ways than one this time around. We always enjoy singing with the Liberty Boys.

The Echoes were next on the program. After taking the stage, we quickly located the best position to take advantage of the fans strategically placed on the stage. David must have been overcome from the heat from the beginning, because he ended up to Sharon's left (which is opposite the way we normally stand). But off we went, with the up-tempo "He Forgot More Than I'll Ever Know" to start it off. We sang a mixture of some of our older songs, along with a couple of newer ones. Actually, with the fans , it was cooler on-stage than in the grandstand, even with the sun on our backs for a good portion of the time.

After ending our set with "I Rest My Case," For Heaven's Sake took the stage to conclude the evening with their brand of contemporary/country gospel. They, too, mixed the new and the old. And we all appreciated them, because Mike Glover of For Heaven's Sake had set up all the sound equipment (and fans) in the hottest part of the afternoon, so all the rest of us had to do was walk on the stage and sing. We really appreciate you, Mike!

At the conclusion of the evening, Darvin announced that there are plans for the Gospel night to be repeated next year at the McCracken County Fair. So, keep an eye out for it next June. And if you go, you might want to bring a fan.

Glory Bound Christian Entertainment

The Echoes made another trip to Stella, Kentucky (near Murray) to sing about Jesus once again.

Joe Lawrence, the coordinator for Glory Bound, had the Echoes paired with The Grants. Mike, Donna, and their daughter, Agnie have that good harmony and sincere spirit to help bring to life the message of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. We always enjoy singing with the Grants.

Normally, a Glory Bound event is held in the Goshen United Methodist Church Family Life Center. But this time around, the Center had been decorated for a wedding reception on Saturday, so we moved to the church itself for the singing.

It's amazing how God uses those who are willing to be used. As Joe explained, he has no musical talent, and his wife Rene won't let him try to sing. And the other member of the Glory Bound crew, Pat is in the same boat as Joe, with regard to musical talent. But God has placed those three in a position to operate this music ministry of Glory Bound, proving that God has a sense of humor. Their ministry also includes a weekly radio program, featuring that great Southern Gospel message.

So, when God wants you to serve Him in some capacity, He'll provide the necessary talent. All you have to provide is the willingness.

The Echoes appreciate Joe, Rene, and Pat, of Glory Bound for their willingness to serve.