Mid-Ark Regional Quartet Convention

 

Heavens Echoes and the church family at Mount Pleasant Missionary Baptist Church just north of Plummerville, Arkansas, provided a monumental event with this first annual convention.  Their new church facilities offered the perfect setting for a regional quartet convention.  With a focus on God & Country, the decor included our nation's colors and each service began with a posting of the colors, the National Anthem, and a patriotic reading and prayer for our military personnel & veterans.  It was a joy to share the program with other Arkansas regional groups including:  Cross Point, the Hawkins Family, the Wooten Brothers, the New Liberty Quartet, the Crusaders and Heavens Echoes.  Steve Williams new group, the Voyagers also shared a few songs both nights.  All the groups were outstanding, the food and fellowship was superb, and the spirit of revival was overflowing.

 

The event marked the last "official" appearance of long-standing Apostles baritone, Daran Robertson.  Because of an increased work schedule with his code enforcement and Air Force reserve demands, Daran has had to resign from a regular singing role.  The group did not want to accept Daran's resignation, but knew he needed to make the change.  So, we did the next best thing.  We created the first ever Apostles Artist Emeritus Award (likely the first of its kind in all of Gospel music).  The award recognizes Daran's long tenure with the group, his dedicated and faithful talent & ministry, and the deep appreciation each Apostle member shares for his friendship and servanthood.  Accordingly, it makes Daran a "Lifetime Member" of the group.  Anytime he wants to come along and sing, we'll accommodate it!

 

The event also marked the first "official" appearance of newest Apostle member Anthony Minor.  We are excited to have Anthony a part of our group.  His vocal talent gives us the opportunity to build a new repertoire of songs featuring favorites of the Gaither Vocal Band arrangements, as well as those of Greater Vision and others, as well as keeping standard favorites of the Apostles.  Anthony's voice has been compared to a cross between Guy Penrod and David Phelps.  Judging by the reaction of the Mid-Ark convention gatherers, he was greatly loved!