Dixon Springs 5th Sunday Singing

After singing earlier in the afternoon at Azotus (see previous post), the Echoes gathered at Dixon Springs Baptist Church for their evening 5th Sunday Singing.

A good crowd listened attentively and enthusiastically, as we sang a new song for us, "Preacher Tell It Like It Is."

David explained that the congregation should listen to the message contained in each of the songs and confirm that the message of each song is scripturally sound.  So, the theme of our song selections pointed to scriptural correctness.  If the songs we sing are not scripturally correct, then we certainly don't want to sing them.

When the Echoes took a break, others in the congregation had the opportunity to sing a song, read a poem, offer a testimony, or whatever the Holy Spirit prompted them to do.  And that is just what they did -- from the young to some of the more "mature" attendees.

A time of finger-food fellowship in the church basement was a fitting conclusion to a great, full day for the Echoes.

Azotus Homecoming

The Echoes wondered whether the weather (rain) would hold off for the annual Azotus Homecoming, as we eat and sing outside for this one each year.  And in August, it's usually HOT!

Well, although it rained earlier in the morning, the rain subsided beforehand, and there was a breeze every once in a while.

So, after a church service / message by Rev. Mark Staton, the tables were once again set up and filled with food for the noon meal.  Then it was time for the Echoes to do their part to once again sing the Gospel alongside the church cemetery, under the big maple tree.

The Echoes have been singing at the annual Azotus Homecoming just about every year since 1972 and are currently booked for the event until Jesus comes again.  As David told them this year, if Jesus comes back between now and next year, the Echoes won't be there.

It was an old-fashioned, good time for all.

Gospel Mission Tabernacle

The Echoes don't often sing on Sunday mornings, due to commitments at our home churches.  But this Sunday we made an exception.  We presented the Gospel in Song for the morning worship at the Gospel Mission Tabernacle, in Golconda, IL.  The infrequent exception was made, because this is Sharon's home church, and we always feel at home when we sing at GMT.

It is important that the Gospel is shared whenever God's children gather together, and we did our best to provide the Good News of Jesus Christ in our song selections for the service.  From comments afterward, we accomplished our goal.

And it was also good to sing BEFORE we had a big, delicious meal.  The potluck meal after the morning service was indeed filling.  We would have had a hard time singing after that bountiful meal.

Thanks, Pastor Tim Green and the congregation of Gospel Mission Tabernacle, for the opportunity to present Jesus once again, and also for your continued prayers and support as we fulfill the ministry God has given us.

WEBQ Gospel Night at the Saline County Fair

The Echoes sing out on an up-tempo number

The Echoes travelled to Harrisburg, IL, where we sang under the WEBQ tent at the Saline County Fair.  It was a great evening, with mild temperatures and a good group of attendees and passers-by hearing the Gospel in Song.

Peyton Sisters

Joining us for the evening were our friends, the Peyton Sisters and Voices In Praise.  They both were a blessing
and popular with the crowd.

Voices In Praise

Voices in Praise even did an impromptu acapella number, when the power to the tent was temporarily interrupted in mid-song.  But that didn't even slow them down; they finished the song as if nothing happened, and as a result the song was an even greater blessing, because Satan had once again been defeated.

It was a fun time once again at the Fair, and we'll look forward to doing it again next year.

Gideons Benefit - Glory Bound

The Echoes enjoyed being able to contribute to a successful benefit singing for the Gideons.  The people at Goshen United Methodist Church, in Stella, Ky (near Murray, Ky) have hosted this benefit for several years.  The people at Glory Bound Christian Entertainment coordinate it all.

Appearing with us this year were WKGMA artists Sheltered Hearts and Sharon and Mickey Beck.  The evening started out with a spaghetti dinner with all the fixin's.  And then those gathered, with full stomachs, settled back to listen as the Echoes kicked off the evening.

Altogether, the event raised well over $500, 100% of which will be used by the Gideons to purchase and place Bibles worldwide.  Their efforts have been and will continue to be blessed and used by God to accomplish His Will for the world.

Dorrisville Social Brethren Church Homecoming

We had another great time with the folks at Dorrisville Social Brethren Church, as we celebrated Homecoming with them.  Pastor Jerry Wells and his congregation made us feel very welcome and "at home" for the afternoon of singing and worshiping.  (The food wasn't bad, either, for the noon meal)

Of course, with Sharon still healing from her knee replacement, we once again gathered around her wheelchair to sing a selection of some of our older songs, along with a few of the newer once.  We also enjoyed the children singing, as we took a break.

Jerry likes to use the video camera, so you can catch a couple of the songs on video on the Echoes' Facebook page, at http://www.facebook.com/echoesfromcalvary

As Jerry likes to say, "God Is Good, All The Time."

Illinois State Quartet Convention - 2014

The Echoes were privileged to participate once again in the premier Southern Gospel event in Illinois, the 45th Annual Illinois State Quartet Convention.

Taking place in the beautiful Marion, IL Civic Center, this event, hosted by the Nehrkorns, brought together a number of popular groups from the region.

We didn't know if we would be able to attend, as Sharon had knee surgery a couple weeks before, and in fact, just was released from an in-patient rehab facility that very morning.  But being the trooper she is, she was right there, although singing from her wheelchair.  That was just an example that when God gives you a ministry, you want to do your best to fulfill that ministry whenever given the opportunity.  God blessed the Echoes that evening, and also the audience present that night.

It was also good to finish up the evening listening to the special guest group, The Lesters, of St. Louis.  They were a blessing, too.

Thanks to the Nehrkorns for the opportunity to be a part of this great annual event.

WKGMA 2014 Spring Convention

The Echoes once again participated in the 2014 WKGMA Spring Convention at Trinity Baptist Church, in Paducah.  This one was a little different, as Sharon was somewhat incapacitated with a bad knee, and thus sang sitting in a wheelchair.  But that didn't keep the Spirit of the Lord from coming down.

Our message in song for the night was that we would do "Whatever It Takes" to live for Jesus, including singing under adversity.  Then Sharon used the song, "God Wants To Hear You Sing," to remind people that God wants our praises in any circumstances.  Twila then charged those present to keep working for the  Lord and not give up, with a new song for us, "Finish Well."

Even sitting in and gathered 'round a wheelchair, it was a great evening.
 

Glorybound Christian Entertainment

After all the snow, freezing rain and cold temperatures, the weather cooperated nicely with a 60-degree afternoon and evening.  The Echoes used it well, as we traveled to the Stella Community near Murray, KY once again to participate in the Glorybound Christian Entertainment event for March.

Joining in on the evening were soloists April Arnold and Ron Lovern.  We all enjoyed worshiping together through singing, as well as through a devotional given by April, who is also a United Methodist minister.

We're already looking forward to the next time we have the opportunity to sing at Glorybound.

Saline County Singing Convention

After the originally scheduled January Convention featuring the Echoes was cancelled due to weather, the Echoes were rescheduled for the February Saline County Convention.  And as it came close to time for the Convention to begin, the snow coming down made us wonder if once again we would find ourselves singing to an empty church.  If so, we decided since we were already there, we would work in a little practice session.

However, the dedicated folks of the Convention began arriving, and by Convention time, there was a pretty good crowd at Dorrisville Social Brethren Church in Harrisburg, IL.

The Echoes kicked it off with some of our older songs, including one we hadn't done in a while, "Been There, Done That."  This one was for Zena Wells, wife of the church's pastor, Jerry Wells.  Zena had requested this song when we sang at the Convention at their church in October 2013.  At that time, we hadn't sung it in about 10 years.  So we had rehearsed it for this convention.  Come to find out, Zena had broken her ankle the morning of this convention and wasn't able to attend.  But husband Jerry connected with her on his cell, and we still got to sing it to Zena.

The snow was still coming down when the Echoes took a break and others began taking their turns at singing.  It was a good time of specials and congregation singing, featuring instrumentalists forming an impromptu band as Steve Hunt and his granddaughter sang.  

A good ole "pickin' and sangin' time" was experienced at this month's Saline County Singing Convention

Then, the Echoes came back to sing a few more songs to wrap up a very successful convention before parting to travel to our respective homes on the now wet and/or snow-covered roads.

Current Convention President Don Haney is leading the Saline County Singing Convention as it celebrates over 100 years of continuous activity, about the only monthly singing remaining in this area.  Each month, singers and those who enjoy good gospel music and singing gather together to worship the Lord in song.  The Echoes always enjoy being a part of this tradition and look forward to our next visit to the Saline County Singing Convention.

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.