Author: Texas Gospel

Happenings in Southern Gospel this week, 1/15/2022:

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STAFF

The Wisecarvers spent part of December recording six original songs for a new album that will be released later this year. The group says the songs are inspired, “by the roads we’ve walked these last few years.”

Gold City is looking for a new lead singer.  Bruce Taliaferro has resigned the position immediately.  If you think you could be the next lead singer for Gold City, the group is currently accepting demos. 

Congratulations to Ben and Maria Wofe of the Kramers on the birth of baby Maria Kramer-Wolfe!

Lynda Randle is set to release her New Pilgrim journey project on Feb 11. The CD include guest vocals by Kimberly Schlapman of Little Big Town and Tommy Sims.

Ivan Parker canceled a performance in Selma, North Carolina due to a predicted winter storm.

Southbound sang the U.S. National Anthem at the HulaBowl on Saturday.

Karen Peck and New River postponed a Saturday and Sunday performance in Fayetteville, North Carolina due to issues with weather and an illness.

The KIingsmen canceled a performance Saturday that was to take place in Umpire, Arkansas due to extreme weather conditions.

Southern gospel music lost a prolific songwriter.  Kyla Rowland passed away.  Ms. Rowland is responsible for songs such as, “Did I Mention,” “God Handled It All,”  “I Can, I Have, I Will,” “One Scarred Hand,” “Still Blessed” and “Safe Thus Far.”

Brian Free and Assurance had to cancel three shows this week due to winter weather in South Carolina.

11th Hour postponed a concert in Acadia, Florida Saturday due to an illness.

Gold City has re-scheduled a performance in Marietta, GA due to the thread of bad weather according to a post on the group’s Facebook page.  

The Lore Family canceled all Sunday appearances due to bad weather.

The Old Paths cancelled shows this weekend in Collinwood, TN and Savannah, TN due to winter weather.

Songwriter Kayla Rowland passes away

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DAYWIND RECORDS

Southern gospel music has lost yet another prolific songwriter.  Kyla Rowland has passed away. 

Ms. Rowland is responsible for hundreds of southern gospel songs.  Her songs were recorded by top southern gospel groups for decades, and her songs helped shape the sound of southern gospel.  To name just a few of the legendary songs Ms. Rowland penned, “Did I Mention,” “God Handled It All,”  “I Can, I Have, I Will,” “One Scarred Hand,” “Still Blessed” and “Safe Thus Far.” 

Please keep the Rowland family in your prayers.

Reported crimes against the church in North America this week 1/8/2022

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This is a list of this week’s reported crimes against Christian congregations and church property in North America. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list. These are only those that have come to our attention through media reports.

MONDAY JAN 3, 2022

A church in Sherburne, New York celebrated a grand re-opening this weekend after an arsonist destroyed the congregation’s sanctuary in 2020.  WKTV reports The Lighthouse Community Church has since changed its name to Epicenter Ministries.

Police in Vandalina, Ohio are investigating a threatening message and nearly $10,000 in damage done to property owned by Hopeland Church.  WDNT reports it was the second incident of vandalism at the church

TUESDAY, JAN 4, 2022

A Smithville, Tennessee man is set to make a court appearance on Jan 13 after police say he spray painted the side a church and left a note on the door saying, “Be a real shame to lose your church because of terrorists.” WJLE radio reported the graffiti included a message ordering the church to stop loaning its building out. 

WEDNESDAY, JAN 5, 2022

Bond for an Ohio man was set Wednesday at $50,000 after police say he set fire to a nativity scene and a van at the Hopeland Church in Vandaila, Ohio.  The Journal-News of Butler County, Ohio reports Garrett Scott Cook, 20, is charged with vandalism and desecration of a place of worship.

THURSDAY, JAN 5, 2022

Police in Summerville, South Carolina are looking for the person or persons who smashed windows and set fires inside the Flowertown Baptist Church building.  Live5News reports some items were also stolen from the church.

FRIDAY, JAN 6, 2022

Arson investigators have not yet determined the cause of a fire at the River of Life Church in Munford, Tennessee. The AtokA Fire Department posted photos of the blaze on social media.

A Texas man is sentenced to 20 years in prison for burning down a church building.  CBS 19 reports Paul Wayne Kennedy pleaded guilty to arson with intent to damage a habitat or place of worship in connection with a fire at the Shell’s Temple Church of God in Christ.

Happenings in Southern Gospel this week 1/8/2022

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STAFF

The Amundruds are set to preform February 27 in Spruce Grove, AB for Singin’ The Gospel at Spruce Grove Alliance Church, 250 Century Road, Spruce Grove, Canada.

Aaron Allen of the Southern Plainsmen Quartet has died at 31. Funeral arrangements are pending.

This week the Down East boys released the new single Your Sins are Forgiven.

The Kramers welcomed a new family member this week!  Elizabeth’s little brother, Bennet Jameson Wolfe was born to Ben and Maria.

Amber Saunders of 11th Hour celebrated a birthday this week

A fundraiser for Ben Rogers brought in more than $50,000.  The event featured The LeFevre Quartet and Endless Highway. Ben is a child who was involved in a tragic accident.

Greater Vision officially kicked off its first tour of 2022 this week.

The Hoppers promise a big announcement on January 13.  We’ll be watching!

Isaac Moore, tenor with The Inspirations, celebrated a birthday this week. Isaac has been singing with the group since Archie came off the road to spend more time at home.

The Jordan Family Band canceled several shows this week due to a few of the band members taking ill.

Karen Peck and New River this week sent out congratulations to Preslee and Matthew on the birth of baby Isa Grace.

Aaron Allen of the Southern Plainsmen Quartet dies at 31

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JEFF TURNER

Another member of the Southern Gospel Music family is being mourned today.  Texas Gospel Canada has learned that Aaron Robert Allen of the Southern Plainsmen Quartet has died. His death was announced on the group’s Facebook page this week.

Aaron had been with the Southern Plainsmen Quartet for 16 years. He started running the sound board for the group for seven years before making the switch to singing lead.

Services are set for 11 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 11 at the Pine Grove Baptist Church in Ruby, Louisiana.

Aaron Allen was 31.