Faithway Baptist Church - New Year's Eve Service

The final singing of 2013 for the Echoes was at Faithway Baptist Church, Corydon, KY, at their New Year's Eve service.

Faithway Baptist Church, Corydon, KY

For many years, every New Year's Eve found the Echoes singing somewhere each year.  These days, there are fewer churches hosting such events, so the New Year's Eve services have become more sporadic.  But the Echoes are thankful for those churches who still hold to that great tradition of singing and praying out the old year and in the New Year.

The folks at Faithway treated us great and made us feel right at home.  Pastor Dwight Cox started out the evening with a welcome to the congregation and then introduced the Echoes to start off the evening.  We sang some of our current "standards," and even tried out a new song (for us), "That Little Baby."

After about an hour, and being a Baptist church, we all took a break and went to

the fellowship hall for a delicious selection of "finger-type" food and fellowship.

Then, it was back to the sanctuary, where there was a variety of singing by people from visiting churches and also the host church.  Following that, the Echoes returned to sing several more numbers, including a request to repeat a song we had sung earlier in the evening, "I Thirst."

A guest minister then brought an inspiring message, and the evening concluded with a candle-light period of reflection by those in the congregation -- testimonies about the goodness of God, and also about the trials and tribulations that people face each day.  But through it all, the message was clear that God is Faithful and His promises are forever true.  That reminder is a great way to start out 2014.

The service started at 7:00pm, and concluded a short 6 hours later, giving each of us a desire to strive to serve God even more faithfully in this coming year.  That's the Echoes' desire, also, as we move into our 45th year of sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ in song.  Maybe we'll see you during this coming year.

Glory Bound Christian Entertainment

It was a fairly busy weekend for the Echoes, as we sang for the second night in a row.  This time, it was down the road near Murray, Kentucky, at the Glory Bound Christian Entertainment event at Goshen United Methodist Church Family Life building, in Stella.

David, Sharon, and Twila let 'er rip on a good ole Gospel song.

Glory Bound is a monthly event, featuring that great Gospel singing.  We appreciate Pat and Rene who are carrying on the legacy started years ago by the late Joe Lawrence.

We shared the program this night with soloist Eddie Boone, another WKGMA member along with the Echoes.  We always enjoy worshiping and singing with Eddie, whose low bass voice is always enjoyed by those who hear him.

Thanks to those attending for the enthusiastic reception to the songs we sang.  It's all about Him and his Message.  That's why the Echoes continue to do what we do.

WKGMA Fall Convention

The Echoes were the final group to sing on the first night of the 3-day WKGMA Fall Convention.  Once again hosted by Trinity Baptist Church in Paducah, KY, those attending heard the Gospel message in song from 10 soloists or groups.

The Echoes from Calvary sing to a large crowd at the
WKGMA Fall Convention in Paducah, KY

As for the Echoes, we introduced two new songs in our repertoire -- "Ask Me Why" and "Unspoken Request."  Both were well received by the congregation.  Expect to hear those songs if you happen to attend an Echoes concert for the next while.  They both have a great message.

John Henry Hubbard Home-going Celebration

And what a home-going celebration it was!....

The Echoes participated in a home-going celebration for John Henry Hubbard at Dutton's Chapel General Baptist Church in rural Pope County, Illinois.  John lived in Arizona at the time of his death.  And after services at the church he attended there, his remains were brought back to Illinois by his wife, Clara, for services at the church where he grew up.

"Harmoneers" circa 1971 (pre-dating the change to
 "Echoes from Calvary").  (left to right) Kenneth
Harpole, Lon Baker, John Henry Hubbard,
Billy Green

John Henry was a founding member of the Echoes (first known as the "Harmoneers") and as such had a profound influence in our style, presentation and overall ministry.  So, it was natural that we would want to participate in the celebration.  He was also responsible for bringing David McGan into the quartet to play piano when David graduated from college in 1971.

Were you ever at a funeral where there was shouting?  Well, there was at John Henry's funeral.  Each participant sang songs or told stories that were somehow connected to John Henry.  Thelma Cruson, along with sisters Lisa Goolsby Hubbard and Letha Goolsby Baker, sang songs that Thelma had sung with John Henry as part of the Evangelaires in the late 70's and early 80's.  Clara Hubbard, John's wife, made heart-felt remarks about her life with John and his constant focus on talking to people about Jesus and their need for a closer walk with Him. 

Butch Gowins, with whom John Henry sang as the "Harmony Boys," along with Kenneth Harpole and Ray Gowins (Butch's Dad), with David McGan at the piano, in 1966-67, sang "When He Reached Down His Hand For Me."  That song was selected, because it was a popular one that featured John Henry during the days with the Harmony Boys and Harmoneers.  

Gene Goolsby, a child-hood friend of John's, then sang a couple of songs, the words of which were a good reflection on the life John lived.

Echoes from Calvary - 1973 - (l to r) David McGan,
Sharon Thomas, John Henry Hubbard, Billy Green,
Lon Baker

It was the Echoes' turn, then.  We first sang "Thank You Lord," a song that John wrote in 1973, as Sharon and Twila gathered around the piano with David playing.  We followed that with the very appropriate words of the song, "Celebrate Me Home" -- including "Don't just sit and grieve because I'm gone; celebrate me home."

Reverend Bernie Cowgill, another child-hood friend of John Henry, then spoke about John's life, and his strong faith in and commitment to Jesus during his life.  People laughed at his comments, people gave testimonies of how John's life had touched them, and it was clear through all the remarks that John Henry "finished strong," and that he was welcomed into Heaven with a "well done, thou good and faithful servant."

The service then concluded with John Henry himself singing another popular song, "The Holy Hills," via a recording made in the 70's.  This time, he was backed up by all the other singers of the afternoon.  Then, everyone sang "How Great Thou Art," another popular John Henry-featured song, which brought forth the afore-mentioned shouting.  Yes, it was a shouting time celebration of a life well-lived for Jesus Christ.

Some of us then went to the nearby Collier Cemetery, where Thelma, Lisa and David sang a verse of "Amazing Grace," as John was laid to rest near his father and mother.

We may have grieved a little that afternoon, but much, much more, we celebrated John Henry home.  That's the way it should be when a child of God finishes the race.  

John Henry would want every reader of these words to not tarry to put your faith in Jesus Christ.  Then one day stand we'll all gather with John again, as we all sing praises to our Lord Jesus Christ -- together once again.

WKGMA Picnic

The Echoes took part in the annual West Kentucky Gospel Music Association (WKGMA) Picnic, held once again at Noble Park in Paducah, KY.

The Echoes sing at the WKGMA Picnic in Paducah, KY.

After a delicious picnic lunch, many of the WKGMA members, both soloists and groups, each sang a number of songs to help cap off the day.  After all, you just can't get Gospel singers together without a song breaking out.

Everyone had a great time, enjoying the beautiful day that the Lord had provided.  How can we not praise Him for all His goodness and blessings.

Saline County Singing Convention

The Echoes had a great afternoon, as we once again participated in the Saline County Singing Convention.  This is the second time this year for our singing for the Convention, which is itself celebrating 100 years of existence this year.

The current President of the convention, Don Haney, welcomed everyone to Dorrisville Social Brethren Church in Harrisburg, IL.  And the Echoes immediately started out by leading the congregation on singing "I'm Standing On The Solid Rock."

While we took a break from singing, others in the congregation, in good ole Convention tradition, sang specials and played instrumentals, all for the glory of God.

The Echoes during our history used to sing at a number of Singing Conventions across Southern Illinois.  But they have slowly died out during the years, with the Saline County Singing Convention being the last monthly event to our knowledge in this area.  We hope that it continues until Jesus returns.

Aurora Fall Festival

Although this weekend started out with widespread rain showers, the Aurora Fall Festival was still "on." So the Echoes motored from our respective homes to Aurora, Kentucky, for an "after parade" singing engagement.

The Aurora Baptist Church, located on the main "drag" through Aurora, which doubles as the parade route, has for a number of years sponsored a Gospel Singing and a food booth as a mission outreach.  And the Echoes have been blessed to be asked to participate for a good number of consecutive years.

The rain stayed away, and the sun even came out for part of our time on the stage.

We always stand on the back of a big trailer on the church parking lot, singing to those who may be sitting at tables eating or perhaps just walking or driving by the event.  We faithfully present the Gospel of Jesus Christ in song, which is our mission, and then we turn the planted seeds over to God to do with as He pleases.  We'll probably never know our impact until we get to Heaven, but as long as we're doing what God directs, we don't have to worry about those details.

Thanks once again, Aurora Baptist, for including us in your mission work.

Immanuel Baptist Temple

The Echoes "appeared in David's backyard," when we sang at David's home church, Immanuel Baptist Temple, in Henderson, KY.  Their pastor was away on a mission trip to Moldova, and the Music/Worship Pastor, Kerry Chase, was delivering the message.  So the Echoes presented the Gospel in Song.

Turns out that several of the songs that we sang fit right in with the message that Kerry preached -- no preplanning involved.  God has a way of coordinating everything for His Glory.  We're just happy to make ourselves available for his "molding."

We also enjoyed getting together after church for lunch before Sharon and Twila began the drive back home, to prepare for attending each of our church services in the evening.

John Henry Hubbard Moves Home

John Henry Hubbard

John Henry Hubbard (center) was a founding member of the Echoes from Calvary, during the early 1970's

John Henry Hubbard, a founding member of the Echoes from Calvary Quartet (and its predecessor, the Harmoneers of 1970), died on September 14, 2013.  John Henry lived in Cochise, Arizona at the time of his death.

Harmoneers - (left to right) Kenneth Harpole,
Lon Baker, John Henry Hubbard, Billy Green

John Henry was an accomplished Southern Gospel singer who lived, ate and breathed Gospel singing.  He loved life, had a unique sense of humor, and was popular wherever the Echoes sang.  Much of what we are today is because of the influence of John Henry.  He was the one who contacted David McGan upon graduation from college to become involved once again in playing piano for John's group, the Harmoneers.  John had also brought David into another group in which he sang in the mid-60's.

In his later years, John suffered from several health-related issues.  The Echoes were blessed to have been able to visit with John during one of his last visits "home" a few years ago.  We reminisced about "the good ole days" and even sang a couple of songs together once again.

One of John's most popular songs to sing was "When He Reached Down His Hand For Me."  Because of that time, John is now no doubt "Touring That City," singing tenor or baritone in the Heavenly Choir and will probably very soon get together a special quartet, no doubt looking up Lon Baker and Kenny Harpole to join him, to provide some additional selections.

Goodbye for now, John.  We'll sing again with you sometime before too long.

  

Paducah Christian Unity Festival

The Echoes had a somewhat rare "through the week" singing, as we participated in the "First Ever Paducah Christian Unity Festival" at Carson Park, in Paducah, KY.

Organized by Barney McNeil, the festival brought together churches from across a number of denominations for one purpose -- to set aside our minor differences and focus on the one important thing we all have in common, Jesus Christ.

The Echoes sang to an enthusiastic crowd, followed by soloists Roxanne Kaylor and Mike Steele, and concluding with a Praise Team from a local Paducah church.   Several ministers from various denominations -- Catholic, Salvation Army, Church of God -- then spoke on the common theme of Unity, each making great points about our need to work together to help build the Kingdom of God.  

Evangelist and singer Steve Warren, from Cookeville, TN took over, sang a couple of songs and then set the grandstand afire with an inspiring, energetic message continuing the theme of Unity.

Everyone left the event looking foward to the following night and even to future annual Paducah Christian Unity Festivals.

Azotus

Well, for about the 43rd year, the Echoes once again returned to the Azotus community to help them celebrate another homecoming at the Azotus Church.

As indicated, we've been singing at the once-a-year worship service and dinner on the ground for over 40 years.  The singing over last good number of years has taken place under the big old maple tree in the church yard.  That's also where the tables are set up each year to hold all the potluck food for the traditional dinner on the ground.

Twila's husband, Mark, has brought the morning message in the church building for a number of years and did so once again this year.

Azotus is one of those traditions that we cherish, and one we hope can continue until Jesus returns.

Gideons Benefit

The Echoes count it a privilege to participate in a number of benefits each year.  We had the opportunity to travel to Stella, Kentucky (near Murray) to help the folks at Goshen United Methodist Church raise money to benefit the Gideons organization.

Besides having another opportunity to sing the praises of Jesus Christ, we enjoyed the opportunity to once again hear soloist Eddie Boone and the Erwins, who also participated.  They are also members of WKGMA, the West Kentucky Gospel Music Association, whose members frequently help with benefits across western Kentucky.

Money raised all goes to purchasing Bibles that the Gideons distribute all over the world through their ministry.  We pray that God continues to bless them mightily in their work for His Kingdom.

Gospel Mission Tabernacle

The folks at Gospel Mission Tabernacle, in Golconda, IL once again hosted the Echoes for an afternoon of Gospel singing.  They've done this for the past several years, and we always enjoy and appreciate the opportunity.  This is also the church Sharon attends, so of course she felt right at home.

We went way back in the archives for many of our songs that afternoon, singing some songs that we used on our program even 15-20 years ago.  But we also included a few of our newer ones, too.

Thanks, GMT, for another great afternoon of worship in song.

Saline County Fair

The Echoes sang in the big tent at the WEBQ-sponsored Gospel Music Night at the Saline County Fair, in Harrisburg, IL.  Others appearing with us included the ever-popular Nehrkorns and Voices In Praise.

In settings such as the fair, one never knows the impact we might have on people who might happen to walk by on their way to the rides or other attractions.  But we'll keep faithfully proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus Christ and let God take care of the rest of the details.

Briensburg Baptist Church

The Echoes took a trip to sing for the folks at Briensburg Baptist Church, outside of Benton, Kentucky.  We had participated in other singings through the WKGMA at Briensburg, but this time we did it alone.

Road construction had Sharon and Twila running a little late, but that didn't hinder us once they arrived.  And we weren't the least bit nervous, even though the service was broadcast on the local access cable channel.

We had a great time and look forward to going back again soon.

Owens Chapel United Methodist Church

The Echoes from Calvary had an opportunity to "stand in" for fellow WKGMA member "Rejoice Trio" and had a great time as a result.  Owens Chapel United Methodist Church had previously booked Rejoice for their homecoming.  But just a few days ago, Rejoice's tenor singer, Talmadge Martin, came down with a touch of the shingles (is there even just a "touch" of shingles?) and called us to see if we could help them meet their commitment for the date.

Being "instant both in and out of season," we were available to stand in Rejoice's place, and God really moved in the service.

After a delicious potluck meal, we gathered in the sanctuary to once again share the Gospel of Jesus Christ through the songs we sang.  There's always a message if one listens for it -- guaranteed.  And from comments after the service, many messages were received and souls were blessed by them.  All in all, a very enjoyable and blessed afternoon -- all because of shingles and friends who help each other out when needed.

Illinois State Quartet Convention

The Echoes opened the first night of the 44th Illinois State Quartet Convention at the beautiful Marion Civic Center.  The Convention continues each evening through Saturday.

Once again, we went back to some of our older songs, beginning with "Wouldn't Take Nothin' For My Journey Now."  And since we were among a number of singers this evening, we continued with "God Wants To Hear You Sing."  We then picked up the tempo with "Gettin' Ready To Leave This World," followed by our only "new" song of the evening, "Like I Wish I'd Lived."  Our set ended with another Rodney Griffin composition, "Just One More Soul."  After all, our main purpose in our singing ministry, as I'm sure it is with the other groups there, is to see more people come to a personal understanding and acceptance of the message of Jesus Christ and what He can mean to their lives.

It was good to see long-time friends we've come to know through the years of our ministry, and also to hear the comments from those taking the time to tell us how much they enjoyed our song selection and singing during the evening.

One of Dee Ozment's legacies that he left with us upon his passing in March is the Illinois State Quartet Convention.  His family plans to see that legacy continue in the coming years, and the Echoes look forward to being part of that for years to come.

WKGMA Spring Convention

The Echoes once again were participants in the West Kentucky Gospel Music Association's Spring Convention for 2013.  The organization was organized in 1976 to help promote and sustain Southern Gospel music in the Western Kentucky area.  Membership today includes groups and soloists from several surrounding states.

For our part, the Echoes joined the organization in the early 90's and have been participants since that time.  Our own Twila Staton serves as Secretary of the organization.

At this 3-day convention, held at Trinity Baptist Church, in Paducah, KY, the Echoes went back in the archives on the final night of the convention for our song selections.  Since the Echoes are in their 44th year of continuous ministry, we started out with "I Wouldn't Take Nothing For My Journey Now."  From there, Twila was featured on "What Judas Didn't Know," which talks about the saving Grace of Jesus Christ.  We concluded our set with the rousing "My Name Is Lazarus."

We also enjoyed listening to a number of other WKGMA artists as they presented the Gospel of Jesus Christ through the best music in the world, Southern Gospel.

You can find out more about WKGMA by visiting their website at:
http://wkgma.com/blog/

Saline County Singing Convention

Every year since 2009, the Echoes have been the featured group at the 1st Saline County Singing Convention of the new year, and additionally, doing so at Rudement Social Brethren Church.  So it was also on the 1st Sunday of 2013.

Don Haney also started the year as the official head of the Saline County Convention, taking over from Alma Young.

As always, the convention started with a congregational song, after which the Echoes sang a selection of numbers.  Then, other talent presented in song, and even a few sign language songs, where sign language was utilized in a very flowing manner to worship Jesus Christ.

After a few more songs by the Echoes, the convention concluded with a rousing up-tempo congregational song to send everyone off with tapping feet, clapping hands, and soaring hearts.

The Saline County Convention is one of the few left these days in Southern Illinois, and may it continue to be a beacon of the Gospel in Song until Jesus returns,