Dixon Springs Baptist Church

The Echoes returned to Dixon Springs Baptist Church after a 2-year absence. This time around, we were the featured guests at the monthly Praise and Worship service.

It was nice to have one of the Echoes' charter members, Billy Green, with us. David played for Billy to sing "What A Friend We Have In Jesus." Billy invited his sister, Barbara Winders, and Donna Owens to sing harmony with him. Afterward, Billy and David wondered how many notes David had played for him from the period 1971 through 1974 -- quite a few, we would imagine.

Others also offered musical selections during the Echoes' break. And we all enjoyed good food and fellowship in the church fellowship area after the singing. (It IS a Baptist church, so that's almost a prerequisite!).

Bonnie Green Memorial Benefit

The Echoes were one of five groups who gathered at the Golden Circle Center in Golconda, Illinois, to remember Bonnie Green. Bonnie died on December 26, 2009, from cancer.

Bonnie was the wife of Billy Green, who was one of the founding members of the Echoes from Calvary back in 1970. Billy and Bonnie also labored in God's vinyard for many years, as they ministered first at the Gospel Mission, in Golconda, and then established the Gospel Mission Tabernacle outside Golconda. After Billy's retirement, they both continued to have a significant presence in the Golconda community.

Our own David McGan was honored to be asked to emcee the evening. And those singing were also happy to lend their God-given talents to help provide the community an opportunity to contribute to a lasting memorial for Bonnie.

Singing for the event were Joe Irwin and Friends, Thelma Cruson, The Echoes from Calvary, Lowell "Butch" Gowins, and The Baker Family. They all sang to an enthusiastic full house, where people enjoyed the singing and the open refreshment center. There's nothing better than listening to great Gospel music and eating delicious home-made cookies, brownies and other snacks.

A very generous offering was collected midway during the evening. As David put it, the first 4 "acts" were singing in preparation to give; and the Baker Family wound up the evening in "Celebration" of the generous offering.

Billy Green spoke at the conclusion, thanking those in attendance. He commented that the songs truly ministered to him, that the message in each song served to bring him comfort. So, that was another "benefit" of the benefit singing.

That's just like God. He uses songwriters to minister to us. If you have a trial in your life, put on some Gospel music and listen to the words. God will speak to you and give you comfort and direction through those songs. We guarantee it; it's happened time and time again for us, too.

Saline County Singing Convention

Keeping a tradition established over the past few years, the Echoes from Calvary were the featured guest singers at the first Saline County Singing Convention of the new year. Since assuming his role as President of the organization, Harold Hicks has booked the Echoes to appear at the January singing, and has held it at the same location, the Rudement Social Brethren Church on Rt 34 south of Harrisburg, Illinois. As usual for January, it was cold outside, but the Spirit was warm in the building.

While many similar events have seen declining attendance over the years (or have even ceased to exist), the house was almost full at Rudement. If you like to sing, attending a convention is a good opportunity, as anyone who wishes to offer a couple of numbers is invited to do so.

After a couple of congregational songs, the Echoes took to the mics for several songs offered to a receptive crowd. Then it was time for others to sing or play musical instruments. It was good to see Alma Young once again and hear her sing. Alma served as President of the Saline County convention for a few years prior to Harold Hicks assuming that role. Harold's father, Earl Hicks, was the long-time President of the Convention and also a very close friend of the Echoes. We all miss Brother Earl, but Harold is doing a good job carrying on the tradition.

It was a good afternoon, enjoying the great gospel of Jesus Christ in song, with old friends. You're invited to attend a convention, too. They're held at various venues on the 1st Sunday of each month, at 2:00pm. Check out the location by watching for announcements in the Daily Register newspaper (Harrisburg).

Glory Bound Christian Entertainment

The Echoes returned to Stella, Kentucky, and the Glorybound Christian Entertainment venue at the Family Life Center of the Goshen United Methodist Church.

Joe Lawrence has a strong calling for such a ministry in the Murray, Kentucky area, creating an informal, comfortable atmosphere to share Jesus Christ through Southern Gospel singing.

There was a lot of activities going on in the area, and the crowd was somewhat sparse. But those who attended this singing truly knew that God was in the building.

The Echoes "practiced" a little, singing some of our older songs. Joe said that he had really enjoyed the "practice session."

We ended the evening with everyone gathered around the piano, where we all sang Christmas carols before joining hands and dismissing in prayer.

God was once again glorified through the obedience of Joe Lawrence and his team at Glory Bound.

WKGMA Fall Convention

The Echoes enjoyed participating in the Fall Convention of the West Kentucky Gospel Music Association. The 3-day event was hosted by Briensburg Baptist Church, near Draffenville, Kentucky, and featured over 20 WKGMA groups and soloists, with the Echoes appearing on Friday night.

Other singers appearing that night were Higher Praise Quartet, Gracesong, Larry Norton, Darvin Stom, The Farmers, Phyllis Mitchuson, The Grants, and The Erwins.

As can happen when different groups sing, our 3-song line-up required a last-minute substitution, as Gracesong sang one of our scheduled songs, "He Forgot More Than I'll

Ever Know." But that's OK. A quick visit to the sound booth resulted in our substitution of "Whatever It Takes." No need to duplicate the message in song by repeating a song, although since the Lyrics are the message, it wouldn't have mattered should we have repeated that message. But might as well get as much "message" as we can into the evening.

From the reaction of the crowd, a good time was had by all, as God was present and saw fit to bless the messages which came forth that evening.

Aurora Days

[Your comments are welcomed - use link at the end of this blog]

The Echoes returned to Aurora, Kentucky to sing "on trailer" at Aurora Days. This annual singing takes place during the community's Fall celebration (Aurora Days) and is sponsored as an evangelistic outreach by Aurora Baptist Church.

Thousands of people converge on Aurora during this annual event and thus the fields are ripe for harvest. The people of Aurora Baptist Church take advantage to provide a popular food booth (as a fund raiser for the church) at their location along the main road (and parade route). They also pass out Gospel tracts as people walk by their location. A friendly smile is readily offered. Tables and chairs are provided for folks to enjoy their food purchases. At this "outdoor diner," various Gospel groups provide the Gospel of Jesus Christ in song while the diners eat.

The Gospel groups or soloists sing to an itinerant audience, many times to very few people, who mostly appear interested only in eating their food or maybe taking a break to rest their feet. Are they listening to the Gospel? Are the efforts of the various singers worthwhile?

One of the songs that the Echoes sang this year is "Just One More Soul." The lyrics include "If just one more soul were to walk down the aisle, it would be worth every struggle; it would be worth every mile." We don't see people "walking down the aisle at events like Aurora Days. Is anyone listening? Does anyone care?

We sing because we have been called by God to minister to hurting people, to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ to a hurting world. Are our efforts worth it? Yes, yes, yes!!! We may never know what impact we may have on a life until it is revealed to us in Heaven. One of Rodney Griffiin's songs, "Faces," perhaps says it best. It talks about dreaming of arriving in Heaven, whereupon Jesus greets us and then "He showed me the faces of the ones who'd come because of me."

That's why Aurora Baptist Church hosts their event each year at Aurora Days. That's why the Echoes from Calvary and others from the WKGMA volunteer their time each year to sing at Aurora Days. We may never know here on earth what our impact may have on a life. But we're not doing it for rewards here. We know by faith now that our efforts are not in vain. We'll know in good time, first hand, the particulars of those who have been touched in some way by our ministry. That's enough for us.

If you have been touched by a song through the ministry of a singing group, or by the words of an individual, perhaps you might share that with them or as a testimony about how God has touched you. In that way, you, too, can pass on how good God is and fulfill your small part on the mission field.

Feel free to comment.

Azotus Baptist Church - Azotus Community

Well, the old Maple tree (I had called it an Oak tree previously) in the yard of Azotus Baptist Church survived last winter's ice storm. Like a lot of us, it's a little worse for wear, but still providing shade for dinner on the grounds and afternoon Gospel singing.

Twila's husband, Pastor Mark Staton of Calvary Baptist at New Liberty, IL, brought the morning message at the once-a-year service. Then, the congregation moved to the row of tables set up outside the church. All kinds of food began to appear, from catfish, to barbecue and fried chicken, along with potato salad, baked beans, corn -- and, of course, a great variety of desserts.

After being tempted by all of that (and eating a good portion of it), it was perhaps a little more difficult for the Echoes to sing some of those up-tempo good foot-stompin' hand clappin' songs. But we did our best, along with those slower ones to provide a well-rounded presentation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

The Echoes have been coming to Azotus each year since 1972 or 1973, and in that entire time, the message of Jesus Christ has not changed one bit.

And you know the best thing? It will never change.

Will the old Maple tree survive what's in store for it in the coming year? Will each of us? I don't know about the old Maple tree, but for those who have Jesus, we may not know what the future holds, but we know Who holds the future.

First Baptist Church - Rosiclare, IL

The Echoes helped our friends at Rosiclare First Baptist Church celebrate the church's 60th Anniversary, as we "sang for our supper" at a Burger and Hot Dog supper at the church.

Roy Lee Baker, the pastor of the church, is the son of Lon Baker, a long-time member of the Echoes. Lon sang bass for the Echoes from 1970 until his retirement in 1993. As you saw in an earlier blog, Lon went home to be with his Lord last year.

When food is present, Baptists tend to gather, we've found. And this was no exception, as the church was filled to near capacity to enjoy the food and the sharing of the Gospel of Jesus Christ in song.

One special episode during our singing was Roy Lee joining Sharon and Twila in singing "Somebody Prayed For Me," with David on the piano. That song has a special place in Roy Lee's heart, since there were indeed a lot of people praying for him some years back as he battled -- and conquered -- cancer.

Congratulations, Rosiclare First Baptist, on your first 60 years. May you continue to have many more -- until the next coming of Jesus.

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.