Macedonia Baptist Church BBQ

The folks at Macedonia Baptist Church in rural Pope County host a very popular Bar-be-cue fundraiser each year. This African-American congregation tradition has been going on for as long as any of us can remember.

We guarantee that the beginning of the afternoon worship service was pretty close to what Heaven will be like. The service began with a holler to the folks in the picnic grove that the service was about to begin. Then, a spontaneous accapela singing of "When We All Get To Heaven" served to remind everyone that Heaven will be a mixture of colors, all singing praises to God.

A period of testimonies soon served to change the song selection that had been planned. One after another spoke of the theme that Jesus is all you need, that Jesus will see you through any problems that come your way, that Jesus is there for you and that you need Him.

The Echoes thus started their part of the service by singing a brand new song for us, Squire Parson's "Everything You Ever Need." Of course, we followed that one with other songs that all seemed to build on the theme of the testimonies and worship that demonstrated that God was truly present in that building. (God undoubtedly likes great barbecue, too).

We thank our friends at Macedonia for hosting a truly worshipful afternoon in the community --and for providing that famous good barbecue and fixin's.

WKGMA Spring Convention

This year's Spring Convention of the WKGMA (West Kentucky Gospel Music Association) took place at Spring Bayou Baptist Church, near Kevil, Kentucky. For a large part of its existence, the convention was held in various locations in Paducah, Kentucky, with the last several years at Trinity Baptist Church in Paducah. The leaders of the WKGMA thought that they would try taking the convention "on the road" to different venues in Western Kentucky. Thus, the convention moved a little westwardly to Kevil.

The Echoes sang this year on the beginning Thursday night of the 3-day convention. Emcee (and Convention President) Darvin Strom kicked it off with the congregation singing a medley of Praise and Worship, blending old familiar hymns with newer P&W songs.

The groups and soloists then took the stage, to present the Gospel in Song to the enthusiastic audience. As always, the convention was an enjoyable worship experience, while showcasing some of the best Gospel talent in the area.

Watch the Echoes Schedule of Singings for news about the WKGMA Fall Convention coming up in November.

WKGMA "Gaither Style" Benefit

Perhaps we've always wondered what it would be like to participate in a "Gaither Homecoming"-style event. Well, we came close to it, as the Echoes joined with other WKGMA (West Kentucky Gospel Music Association) members at Briensburg Baptist Church in Draffenville, KY. The event was also shown live on the Marshal County Cable TV system, channel 28.

The event was a benefit for a group of youth and their pastor, Darvin Strum, from Lakeview Baptist Church, near Draffenville, who will be going on a mission trip to Poland later this year. Darvin is also the current President of WKGMA.

The Echoes were honored to be "showcased" at the event. That means that we sang one song prior to the "Homecoming Choir" special. The crowd enjoyed "I'm Rich," and clapped along to that toe-tapping message.

Then it was the WKGMA Choir's turn to present the Gospel Message in song, as we all joined together to sing a number of "old standard" songs, such as "I Wouldn't Take Nothing For My Journey Now," "Had It Not Been," and "He's A Personal Saviour."

Now we can say we've experienced it. Now we're looking forward to doing it again!

Illinois State Quartet Convention

A good crowd greeted the Echoes at the 40th Annual Illinois State Quartet Convention in Marion, Illinois. This is one of the premier Gospel events in Illinois each year. It has been hosted by the Glorylanders Quartet for years. Dee Ozment, of the Glorylanders, has been faithful to keep the Convention going, along with help from his wife, Dianne, and many others.

The Echoes were first on the program and got the crowd going with some new songs, including "I'm Rich" and "Preach The Word." Of course, we also included some other songs we had been singing for a little while. But all of them contained the everlasting message of hope that only Jesus can give.

You can see a list of all the singers during the 3 nights of the convention at http://mcgangroup.com/echoes/ISQC.pdf

It was good to see our old friend, Jim Beatty (only "old" in years having known him). Jim served as emcee, standing in for long-time emcee Dean Stephenson, who is battling cancer and was unable to attend. Prayers for Dean are appropriate, but it's 100% certain that he will receive God's healing, and we'll be singing with him again, either here or in Glory.

Thanks to everyone for a another great convention. The Echoes look forward to participating again next year.

Saline County Singing Convention

The Echoes started 2009 as the featured guests at the Saline County Singing Convention. This is the third year in a row that the Echoes were selected by the Convention President, Harold Hicks, to kick of the Convention year. The Echoes are humbled to have this special honor.

Held at Rudement Social Brethren Church, in the settlement of Rudement, Illinois, the convention was well attended with just about a house full of people. Numerous people participated with songs, piano solo's or instrumental offerings.

The County Singing Conventions have in large part ceased to exist in many areas, but the Saline County Singing Convention is going strong, thanks to the dedication of people like Harold Hicks, who is carrying on the tradition of his father, Earl Hicks, who was the president of the Convention for many years.

New Year's Eve

The Echoes ended 2008 with new friends at Faithway Baptist Church, in Corydon, Kentucky. Pastor Dwight Cox and his wife, Janice, (who is a very close friend of David's wife, Mary Jane), were very good hosts for the evening.

The Echoes enjoyed ending the year in what has become a tradition for us. Only two or three times in our 37-year history have we not been singing for the Lord on New Year's Eve.

We're thankful to God for allowing us to sing to the people at Faithway and to Pastor Cox for a very inspiring message on being "FAT" Christians in 2009 (Faithful, Available, Teachable). The evening ended with a Candlelight service, which allowed each person to testify to God's goodness and how He has blessed each. As each person spoke, he/she lit a candle. By the conclusion of the service, the darkened church had once again become lighted by the members of the congregation's candles. We each can be a light to the world in 2009.

Lon Baker Is Home

Lon Baker, who sang bass with the Echoes from Calvary for the first 23 years of it's existence, went home on Saturday, November 29th.

One of the most requested songs at an Echoes singing during his tenure as bass was "It Will Be Worth It All." Well, Lon now knows first-hand what made it worth it all. Now, he's in that Heavenly Choir, where "For Ten Thousand Years, we'll sing 'Amazing Grace. It will be worth it all when we get home."

Enjoy your crown, Lon. (And we're sure he has already laid it at Jesus' feet.)

LON'S OBITUARY

December 01, 2008
GOLCONDA, Ill. — Services for Jesse A. “Lon” Baker, 86, of Golconda will be at 11 a.m. Tuesday at First Baptist Church in Golconda with the Rev. Roy Baker officiating. Burial will be at Prospect Cemetery.

Mr. Baker died Saturday at Pope County Care Center in Golconda.
He was a U.S. Army Air Corps veteran and worked for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. He was a member of First Baptist Church in Golconda and sang with the Echoes of Calvary Quartet for 23 years.

Surviving are three sons, Larry Baker of Golconda, Joe Baker of Lincoln and the Rev. Roy Baker of Rosiclare; five grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Freda Mitchell Baker; two daughters, Doris Woods and Mary Ann Hansen; three brothers; seven sisters; and one grandchild. His parents were the Rev. Joseph A. Baker and Lula Vandergriff Baker

Friends may call from 5 to 8 p.m. today at Aly Funeral Home in Golconda and after 10 a.m. Tuesday at the church.

Expressions of sympathy may take the form of contributions to Hodgeville Cemetery Association, Rural Route 2, Box 319, Golconda, IL 62938.

WKGMA Fall Convention

The Echoes travelled to Trinity Baptist Church in Paducah, KY for the annual WKGMA Fall Convention (West Kentucky Gospel Music Association). A good crowd turned out to hear 8 different groups or soloists in an evening of great Gospel music. The Lord showed up, and the enthusiastic audience responded well the various messages in song presented by the WKGMA-member groups.

You can find out more about the WKGMA by going to their website at www.wkgma.com.

A New Start

Well, obviously, it has been some time since the Echoes' Singing Notes Blog has last updated. My, my.... how time flies!!

Let's see if we can get this started back on track. Who know? I may even get industrious and add other Echoes-related news from time to time.

By the way, the url link to the Echoes from Calvary website has changed. You should update your bookmarks to reflect the following url addresses:
Echoes from Calvary Website Home Page: www.mcgangroup.com/echoes
Echoes Schedule: www.mcgangroup.com/echoes/echoschedule.htm

Murray Gospel Explosion - July 1st

We helped started the week of celebration of our nation's birth with a Gospel singing in the Central Park Amphitheater in Murray, Kentucky. Singing with us for the evening of Gospel music prior to fireworks were the popular Smith Family Trio of Fulton, Tennessee. A great crowd enthusiastically received the Gospel in song from both groups.

The gospel event was sponsored by the Bank of Murray and was one of many simultaneous activities in the Park -- a great family venue. The evening was capped off with a gigantic fireworks display.

Gaither Suites at Westpark - June 30th

Our close friends, the residents of Gaither Suites Assisted Living Center in Paducah, invited us into their home once again for an after-dinner evening of Gospel singing. As usual, the Echoes sang some of our favorite songs, and then invited the residents to call out their favorites from the hymn books passed around in the "parlor."

We always enjoy visiting with the residents afterward, shaking hands and offering words of encouragement. Actually, the most encouraging words come from them. We'll be going back before too long.

Pleasant Hill General Baptist - June 24th

We visited with the folks at Pleasant Hill General Baptist Church for their annual Homecoming. Although it started out as a rainy afternoon, which resulted in the noon meal being held in the church, we sang up a storm inside, while the rain subsided outside.

It was good to see both old and new friends, as we had not been to Pleasant Hill for a good while. Everyone enjoyed a good Spirit and fellowship during the afternoon.

Glorybound Christian Entertainment - June 8th

The Echoes continued a pretty busy Spring season, returning to Stella, Kentucky (near Murray) and the Glorybound Christian Entertainment venue. Always held at the Goshen Methodist Church Fellowship building, and hosted by Joe Lawrence, we always have a good time singing to attentive and appreciative audiences at Glorybound.

This time, we sang with two soloists -- Jeff Prater and Ivan Hughes. Both men have beautiful voices and a great testimony. We enjoyed very much sharing the evening of Gospel Music and worship with them.

There for a while, it was "iffy" if we were going to be there. Sharon's youngest daughter, Tammy, is expecting Sharon's 6th grandchild any time, and Sharon was on Grandmother-Madelynn sitting duty when the big event's time comes. But, the stork waited, and Sharon was at Glorybound, rarin' to sing.

No Singing Notes For Some Time

Well, well..... Where have the Singing Notes been? It's not that we haven't been singing pretty regularly. It's more like David has been so busy that he hasn't had the time to compile brief notes about the various singings the Echoes from Calvary have been having. Well, if you've missed them, SORRY ABOUT THAT!

Let's try to get this back on stream....

Gaither Suites at Westpark - November 18th

From the March of Dimes Benefit concert earlier in the afternoon, the Echoes travelled across town to sing once again at an evening performance at the Gaither Suites Assisted Living Center, in Paducah.

Our good friends there once again filled the "parlor" for a time of singing, testimony, singing, piano playing, singing, and then some sing-along singing. Did we mention that there was singing?

The Echoes always enjoy the warm reception that we receive from the residents, who so graciously invite us into their home to enjoy the Gospel in Song. It's like a big family getting together -- which, in a real way, it is. We're all a part of The Family of God.

We'll be going back again during the first part of 2007.

March of Dimes Benefit - November 18th

David spent part of his birthday with the Echoes singing at the 2006 Annual March of Dimes Benefit Gospel Singing. This year, the event, coordinated by Barney McNeil, was held at Grace International Church in Paducah, Kentucky. The Echoes are one of a few groups who have supported the annual March of Dimes singing, ever since its inception in 2001.

By the way, Barney recently joined the West Kentucky Gospel Music Association as a promoter of Gospel Music. Welcome to the WKGMA, Barney, from the Echoes from Calvary, your fellow members!

The two-day event features a large number of area gospel talent, ranging from contemporary to good ole Southern Gospel.

It's always a privilege to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ in song,

Honeycomb Church of God - November 11th

The Echoes sang with Mike Hadfield at the Honeycomb Church of God, as they hosted a chili supper and singing as a fundraiser for the international Church of God Youth Missions.

The chili was delicious, the desserts were to die for, and the singing was food for the soul. Mike Hadfield writes a lot of the songs he sings, and he has some GOOD songs. He's also an accomplished musician, who programs all his accompaniment using keyboards, guitar, midi connections -- he's a talented guy, to say the least!

The Echoes found it easy to sing to the congregation, as the smiles were as bright as the Spirit was real during the evening.

The pastor, Harold Miller, invited the Echoes to be the featured singers at Honeycomb's New Year's Eve service. So, we'll look forward to returning in a few weeks to worship once again with the folks at Honeycomb.

WKGMA Fall Convention - November 4th

A great line-up culminated the third night of the 2006 WKGMA Fall Convention on Saturday night, November 4th. Trinity Baptist Church, in Paducah, Kentucky, once again served as very enthusiastic hosts for the event. Phillip Smith, WKGMA President, emceed the event and kept the evening moving along with quite a selection of quartets, trios, duets and soloist, each singing praises to God, and blessing the good crowd in attendance.

The Echoes were received very warmly, especially with people amening and raising their hands in praise to God, as we sang "He'd Do It All Again." In fact, the entire evening was very spirit-filled and worshipful. It was repeatedly said that this convention was probably one of the best ever.

That makes us doubly-anxious for the 2007 Spring Convention to get here, which once again will be hosted by Trinity Baptist. Watch our Schedule for the date, and plan to be with us.

Bethany General Baptist Autumn Service - October 21st

The Echoes appeared at Bethany General Baptist Church, on Route 34 in the Hicks Community of Hardin County, Illinois, for their annual "Autumn" Service. This event includes decorating the church in Fall colors, and dressing up in "old timey" clothing for some, to celebrate God's Goodness during the Harvest season.

David "dressed up" in his overalls and fit right in with Pastor Stan Pennell, who was similarly attired.

It was a good evening of inspirational singing, testimony and fellowship. The after-service meal was also an enjoyable part of the evening, too.

Gaither Suites at Westpark - October 7th

Those residents at Gaither Suites at Westpark Assisted Living Center just can't seem t get enough of good Southern Gospel singing with the Echoes from Calvary. We were asked to return once again -- the second time this year -- to provide the Gospel in Song to a full house in their "parlor" area.

We followed our "tried and true" formula of singing some of our more current songs, then going back into the hymnal and singing requests of the old standards. This is always a popular segment. We then end the evening with a final message from our newer selections.

The smiles on faces, and the kind words as we greet the residents after the singing, indicate that we'll most likely be going back again and again.