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.