Dixon Springs Baptist Church

The Echoes had a great time as we returned to and had the opportunity to sing to and visit with long-time friends at Dixon Springs Baptist Church.

It was especially good to see Billy Green, a founding member of the Echoes in 1970, along with his daughter, Theresa. During the Echoes' break, it was like old times as David played the piano for Billy to sing "Who Am I."

After singing a number of songs, many of them themed around the need for, and power of, Prayer, a time of fellowship took place, where we enjoyed home made ice cream and other delicious desserts.

As the old saying goes, "A good time was had by all."

Elizabethtown, IL First Baptist Church

The Echoes helped celebrate the anniversary of our Nation's birth, as we sang for the folks at the Elizabethtown First Baptist Church, in Elizabethtown, Illinois.  First Baptist, originally known as Big Creek in its early days, is the oldest active Baptist church in Illinois, in fact being founded in 1806, before the creation of Illinois in 1815.


We have sung at First Baptist a number of times in the past.  But it was especially good to return to see how beautifully the church had been restored after extensive damage during the extreme flooding in the Spring of 2011.  And the church was even more beautiful as it was decorated for the July 4th patriotic theme.


The Echoes don't have the traditional patriotic songs in our repertoire.  But David did weave a story of true Freedom as revealed in a number of songs we sang.  While honoring the many who have died for the many freedoms we enjoy in America, true Freedom can only come through a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.  That was our message that evening.  What better place to celebrate our Nation's birth than in a church that is almost as old as our nation itself.

WBCE Benefit

The Echoes were blessed to be able to participate in a benefit for WBCE Christian Radio, of Wickliffe, KY.  Held at the House of Prayer Church in LaCenter, Kentucky, the evening featured a large number of WKGMA-affiliated soloists and groups.


Well over $1000 was raised to keep Southern Gospel music and other religious programming going out over the airwaves in the Western Kentucky, Southern Illinois, Northwestern Tennessee, and Eastern Missouri.


Thanks to the members of "For Him" for coordinating the benefit.

Pleasant Hill General Baptist Church

Another good day for the Echoes, as we spent the afternoon singing to the folks at Pleasant Hill General Baptist Church, in rural Hardin County, Illinois.  It was good to return to Pleasant Hill and see friends from way back, as well as some new friends.  There were even a couple of people who had never heard us sing before -- pretty amazing after 42 years of singing.


The Holy Spirit was present, and the smiles on the faces of the congregation, and lips moving as some silently sang along with us, was proof that blessings were being received from the messages in the songs we sang.  


Some of our best times are at the small country churches where people are still faithfully claiming the promises of God, through Jesus Christ.  We'll keep on encouraging those faithful saints as long as God wants.

Illinois State Quartet Convention

It's called a "Quartet" Convention, and there were some great quartets there.  But there were also a number of trios and even a soloist participating.  


The Echoes sang Friday night as part of the 43rd Annual Illinois State Quartet Convention.  This 3-day event, held each year in Marion, Illinois, is arguably one of the most significant Southern Gospel singing events in the entire state of Illinois..


But irregardless of how many members a group had, the message of Jesus Christ was strongly proclaimed by  each of the participants.  


Ralph Brandon once again served as emcee for the evening, lending his humor and insight to the event.  Ralph can have you laughing 'til you cry one second and then immediately hit you between the eyes with the truth of the Gospel.


Our hosts, the Glorylanders and the Nehkorns, made us feel right at home.  And The Lester Family, the St. Louis-based and longest-tenured professional  family group in the Southern Gospel field, blessed the rest of us with their selection of songs, such as one of their recent hits, "Rocks Droppin'."


If you were there, you know the blessings that poured forth.  If you weren't there, then be sure to make plans to attend next year.

Good Hope Baptist Church, Hampton, KY

The Echoes travelled to Good Hope Baptist Church, near Hampton, Kentucky, to sing at that church's homecoming celebration.  This was the first time we had been to this church, but hope it won't be the last.

Good Hope Baptist is celebrating its 170th year as a church this year, and the message of Jesus Christ is still being proclaimed in that community.  The Echoes also proclaimed the Gospel, as we sang a number of songs to weave a message of salvation, hope, grace, and promise through the songs we sang.

Songs included two new ones that we have been working on -- "When He Calls Us Away," which we recently sang for the first time at the WKGMA Spring Convention, and "That's Enough," which was the first time we had sung this song in public.

It was a great afternoon of blessings, including the blessing we received from being invited by the congregation at Good Hope Baptist.  Perhaps we can do it again before too long.

WKGMA Spring Convention

The Echoes enjoyed an evening of great Gospel singing, as we participated in the 2012 WKGMA Spring Convention.  The event, held once again at Trinity Baptist Church, in Paducah, KY, presented the Gospel of Jesus Christ as numerous soloists, trios and quartets sang during the evening.

The Convention has continued to grow through the years, with groups participating from Kentucky, Tennessee, Illinois and Indiana. 

With the large number of groups appearing, each set was limited to 10 minutes.  For our 10 minutes, the Echoes chose an established song and debuted a new song.  We started with "I Rest My Case At The Cross."  It's a song about the Intercessor each Christian has in Jesus Christ -- a powerful song which received a strong response from many in the congregation who no doubt have called on that Intercessor many times in their lives.

The second song was a new one for us, as we sang "When He Calls Us Away" for the first time in a concert setting.  This song looks toward the time when Jesus will return for the Church.  Once again, the message was well-received by the Bride present at the convention.

You might want to make plans to attend the 2012 WKGMA Fall convention, usually held during the first weekend in November.  You'll be sure to receive a blessing -- especially if you come prepared to receive one.

Saline County Singing Convention

The Echoes once again "kicked off" this year's series of Saline County Singing Conventions, as they were the featured singers at the February Convention.  Since there was no January Singing Convention, the string of "kick-offs" was maintained, as the Echoes have been the first group of the year each year since 2009.

Once again, this "first event" was hosted by Rudement Social Brethren Church.  Convention President Alma Young had everything in order, as the Convention began with congregational singing.  Then the Echoes sang a number of songs to encourage a stronger faith in Christ.

While the Echoes took a little break, others in attendance offered musical selections.  As requested, David played the piano on a number, accompanied by Dorothy Williams on the organ.  They had feet tapping and hands clapping on a peppy number.

After a few more songs by the Echoes, the Convention concluded, having once again having presented the Gospel of Jesus Christ in the timeless manner of an old fashioned Singing Convention.

Glory Bound Christian Entertainment

The Echoes visited once again for another Glorybound Christian Entertainment event at the Goshen United Methodist Church Fellowship Hall in Stella, Kentucky. 

Founded by the late Joe Lawrence, the event still continues, even after Joe's recent promotion to Heaven, through the on-going efforts of Renee Taylor and Pat Lea.  April Arnold, a local United Methodist pastor, has taken over Joe's duties of delivering a short inspirational message during the break in singing.

The Echoes presented Renee and Pat a plaque in memory of Joe, which we hope will serve to remind people of Joe's love for gospel music, the Gospel itself, and above all his love for Jesus.

We shared the evening with several soloists, including April Arnold.  Since it is the Christmas Season, several Christmas songs were sung.  But since Christmas songs aren't usually a part of our repertoire, we decided to go caroling.  This took the form of inviting a few of our friends, including the other singers and the Erwins (of the WKGMA) to stroll to different tables (houses) and sing carols to the inhabitants at each "house."  It was fun to go caroling again, and most of all to sing about our Saviour's birth. 

And while we miss Joe, we're happy to be a small part in keeping his legacy going in the form of the Glorybound Christian Entertainment events.

May each of you have a very blessed and Merry Christmas, from the Echoes from Calvary.

WKGMA Fall Convention

The Echoes participated in the WKGMA Fall Convention, held once again at Trinity Baptist Church, in Paducah, KY.  Good reports came from the Thursday night portion of the Convention, with several saying that the Holy Spirit was really present that night.  Well, Friday night was no different, as 13 soloists, trios and quartets sang the Glory down.

The Echoes were fifth on the program and had to make a last-minute substitution of our planned song list.  One of the previous groups sang one of the songs we had planned, so it was a simple substitute to another song that wove in the message of the Gospel. 

David was in the midst of an active kidney stone attack, but didn't let that slow him down, as he took the lead on "It Pays To Pray,"  Twila then challenged everyone with "Preach The Word."  We ended our set with a happy - and snappy - thought of going to Heaven, with "Yes I Am."

The enthusiastic congregation, who freely and demonstratively worshiped as the songs were sung, made the evening a blessing for everyone -- including the Echoes.

You just can't beat Gospel singing with God's people.

Buena Vista Community Church

The Echoes enjoyed an afternoon of worship with our friends at Buena Vista Community Church, in Harrisburg, IL. 

David's sister, Linda, is a member at Buena Vista, and since October is Pastor Appreciation Month, she had asked if we could prepare a music video honoring their Pastor, G.E. Coultas.  So, David created a video accompaniment, and we sang the Rodney Griffin song, "Faces," while photos depicting the years of Pastor Coultas' service to God illustrated the words of the song.

If you're not familiar with "Faces," it speaks about the lives that each of us influence throughout our lives, even though we do not in most cases realize it.  One day, when we get to heaven, those faces will be revealed to us.  Another way to put it, the song is a condensed version of the perennial Christmas favorite movie, "It's A Wonderful Life," starring Jimmy Stewart as George Bailey.

Pastor Coultas was surprised, and there were few dry eyes in the congregation at the conclusion of the song.  As the final frame in the video stated over a photo of Pastor Coultas preaching from the pulpit, "Well Done, Thou Good and Faithful Servant."

Seven Mile Baptist Church Homecoming

The Echoes finished up our busy weekend with a return to Seven Mile Baptist Church to help them celebrate their homecoming service.  Seven Mile's homecoming began with the Echoes presenting the Gospel in Song in a 45-minute series of songs.  Then a guest minister brought a challenging sermon about the need to spread that Gospel throughout the world.

It was great to see Mylon Hulsey and his family at the service.  Mylon sang with the Echoes in the late 90's and the early 2000's.  So it was sorta like an Echoes homecoming also.

After the message, we all did what you do at homecomings -- ate a delicious meal.

It was a good way to end a great weekend of singing about Jesus.

Aurora Fall Festival Gospel Sing

Continuing a busy weekend, the Echoes traveled to Aurora, Kentucky, to participate in the Aurora Fall Festival.  Aurora Baptist Church, located right on the busy parade route and in the  middle of a lot a crafts, flea markets and other attractions, has sponsored a food tent and gospel singing for many years.  And the Echoes have been a part of the singing for those many years, also.

Various WKGMA member groups participated, beginning in mid-morning, before the parade, and then starting up once again right after the parade passed.  The Echoes were part of the afternoon contingent,

God blessed us with a beautiful Fall day.  We trust that He also blessed those who heard the message in song.

WBCE Benefit Singing

One of the blessings we receive is the opportunity to help raise money for worthy causes.  We've done this for all of the 41 years of the Echoes' existence.  The latest occasion was a benefit for WBCE Radio, in Wickliffe, Kentucky.  WBCE is a non-profit Christian station that helps spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ in Western Kentucky, Southern, Illinois, Western Tennessee and Southwestern Missouri.

The Echoes joined about 40 other various singing groups, ranging from soloists to quartets for a 5-hours extravaganza of Gospel Music.  And as the old saying goes, "a good time was had by all."

Fluorspar Day

It's always interesting to "go home."  And a lot of old memories were brought to mind for David, as the Echoes appeared at the Memorial Band Pavilion to sing the Gospel at Fluorspar Day, in Rosiclare, Illinois. 

David was a 1967 graduate of Rosiclare High School and spent quite a lot of time around the Main Street area over the years.  But today, the old Capitol Theater is replaced by the Band Pavilion, some of the buildings are no longer there, and the mining industry is a shadow of its former self.  Yet the people still gather each year to celebrate Community. 

The Echoes participated by singing the never-changing message of the Gospel in song, while down the street a little ways, the young children played on inflatables, and at the levee, Hardin County's various volunteer fire departments conducted water battles.

No doubt, a good time was had by all, and traditions still continue.  Nothing really changes all that much -- and God's Love and the message that His Son, Jesus, brings will always be the same.

The Echoes are blessed to be able to mark having sung that never-changing message for 41 years this year -- almost as long as Fluorspar Day has celebrated the Community of Rosiclare.

WKGMA Mini-Convention

The Echoes took part in a WKGMA Mini-Convention held at House of Prayer, LaCenter, KY.  Even though it's called a "mini" convention, there were a good number of WKGMA member groups and soloist who shared their message in song.  And even though WKGMA stands for "West Kentucky Gospel Music Association," the membership includes groups from Illinois (the Echoes and others), Missouri, Indiana, and now Tennessee. 

It's amazing, but would you believe that the messages in the songs are the same, no matter where the group is from.  That message is about Jesus and His Love for us.

We appreciate the House of Prayer in hosting the event.  We also enjoyed the finger food fellowship that was on-going during the convention.  It's good to sing, and then visit with other WKGMA members during the evening.

The next time you hear about a WKGMA convention, be sure to plan to attend.  You'll hear some great Gospel music from a variety of groups, soloists, and styles.  But most importantly, you'll also be ministered to.  Ain't God Good!!

Azotus Annual Homecoming

The old church sits by a dusty gravel road, in a remote part of southern Pope County, Illinois.  In its earlier days, it was a beacon of Christ in a vibrant community for many years, after its founding in 1848. 

But today, those who once had a connection to Azotus Baptist Church gather just once a year to reminisce, take care of cemetery business and worship once again in the old church. 

The old upright piano has a good number of keys that no longer work.  But it still provides enough music, beautiful in its own way, that the gathering congregation can still sing along to the old hymns of the faith. 

The coal or wood-burning stove no longer is present to heat the room.  But that's no longer necessary anyway, in the hot months of August.  The pews are unpadded, and the unscreened windows make welcome wasps and other insects who sometime join the congregation.  Electricity is no longer present, but the guest minister doesn't need a sound system in the little building anyway.

But God is still present in that little, plain building.  He dwells in the hearts of those faithful people who still gather once a year to worship Him in this place.

And the Echoes count it a honor to be a small part of this yearly service for the last 39 years.  These days, everyone gathers under the old maple tree that very likely was there at the beginning in 1848.  We all eat a delicious pot-luck lunch, and the Echoes then sing.  Today, that old maple tree is showing its age, the results of ice storms, winds, and just old age in general.

But God is still present.  And He always will be -- even after that little old church building beside of the road is no more.

Gospel Mission Tabernacle

We enjoyed another great Sunday afternoon of Gospel singing and worship with our friends at the Gospel Mission Tabernacle, in Golconda, Illinois.  Pastor Tim Green and his congregation made us feel at home, as always. 

Actually, we'd feel at home anyway, since we have been singing from time to time at the Gospel Mission since the mid-70's, when it was located across the street from the courthouse in Golconda.  And the Gospel Mission is the home church for our own Sharon and Dorris Thomas.

We began the afternoon with a delicious potluck dinner, even though it was not a homecoming-type event.  And, as usually is the case, it's too easy to eat too much, which makes it hard for the Echoes to sing afterward, and somewhat a challenge for the congregation to keep the eyelids from drooping.

But the Holy Spirit took care of those issues by being present in our midst, and we were able to worship in a great way, by letting the words of the songs remind us of God's Grace, His Healing Power, and His never-failing Promises. 

Yes, it was a great afternoon to enjoy the goodness of God with our friends at Gospel Mission Tabernacle.

Brownfield Baptist Church Homecoming

The Echoes were privileged to be a part of Brownfield Baptist Church's 151st Anniversary Homecoming.  As Pastor Monte Reed said in his bulletin article, when the church began, people were still having gunfights in the streets."  (They still are, but we know what he meant -- it was a long time ago).  Look at it another way:  In 1860, the Civil War had not yet begun; the church was lit by lantern and heated by wood (or maybe coal); the only air conditioning was an open window. 

But while much has drastically changed since that first service 151 years ago, the Gospel of Jesus Christ is exactly the same as then.  We gathered to worship the same God as was worshipped in that first service.

After a traditional, and delicious, pot luck lunch, the Echoes began with "I Wouldn't Take Nothing For My Journey Now," one of the older songs in our repertoire, and ending with one of our newest songs, "It Pays To Pray."

A good-sized, receptive congregation made it easy to sing, as they obviously were keying in on the message of each song.  That's what it's all about -- each person receiving a personal message from God as each song is sung.

We've been singing at Brownfield periodically for the last 40 or so years, and it's always good to return once again.  It was also good to see Billy Green, and his daughter, Theresa, in attendance.  Billy was one of the founders of the Echoes from Calvary, back in 1970, so he has shared in some of those Brownfield singings in the past.

Pastor Reed ended the afternoon of worship with the observation that Brownfield Church might not make it to their 200th Anniversary, not that the church closed, but that Jesus may be coming back before then. 

But until then, Brownfield Baptist plans to continue being a beacon for Christ in that little part of Pope County, Illinois, America, and the World.  And the Echoes will plan to continue to visit with an encouraging Southern Gospel song every once in a while.

Trader's Mall - WKGMA Mini-Convention

The Echoes participated in a Western Kentucky Gospel Music Association (WKGMA) Mini-Convention held at Trader's Mall, near Paducah, KY.  The Antiques and Flea Market Mall also contains an auditorium, which is a great place for special events such as the Mini-Convention.  It also periodically hosts great Gospel singing by full-time groups, such as Gold City, Dixie Melody Boys, Ivan Parker, Mark Trammel Quartet, and others.

The Mini-Convention featured a large number of soloists, duets, trios and quartet members of WKGMA.  The first 2-hour set began at 4:00pm.  The Echoes sang just before the end of that set, after which everyone had the opportunity to partake of a delicious steak dinner.  Afterward, the Convention continued with additional groups taking their turn on stage.

It's always great for Gospel singers to get together and feast on the messages in the songs, as well as the Spirit in which they are delivered.  You're sure to enjoy being a part of that, so watch for announcements of future mini-conventions, or the upcoming Fall Convention in November.