Category: News

Martin Cook, Founder of The Inspiratons, dies

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STAFF REPORTS

Martin Cook, the founder of The Inspirations has died after being diagnosed with a cancerous brain tumor. His obituary says he died at his son’s home in Georgia.

Mr. Cook started the legendary group while he was a chemistry teacher at Swain County High School in Bryson City, North Carolina. In 1964, four of his students joined him and the storied journey of The Inspirations began. 

Mr. Cook was inducted into the SGMA Hall of Fame in 2003.  His contributions to southern gospel music will long be remembered and celebrated. 

Martin Cook was 85.

Best of Gospel Harmonies airing while Alan Cook recovers

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DAVID INGRAM

Texas Gospel Canada has been airing “best of” versions of Alan Cook’s Gospel Harmonies programs for a few weeks.  We wanted to let listeners know the reason.

Alan Cook is dealing with serious back trouble. He has been in the hospital since January 12. A post to his website asks listeners to keep him in your prayers.

Alan has produced the program for more than 40 years spotlighting the very best in current releases and classics spanning the past six decades. We hope he recovers soon and look forward to new programs soon on Texas Gospel Canada.

Reported crimes against the church in North America this week 1/30/2022

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DAVID INGRAM

The number of reported crimes against churches and congregations remains low for a second week in a row.  No confirmed hate crimes have been reported to Texas Gospel Canada since the first of the year.

CTV reports RCMP investigators in Olds, Alberta are looking for the person caught on security footage damaging windows at the First Baptist church.  MountainViewToday reports the damage was reported January 23.

Authorities in Lawrence County, Alabama began the week looking for whomever caused thousands of dollars in damage to the New Antioch Church of Christ building, according to The Birmingham News. The paper published photos of the damage. WAAY television reports the motive does not appear to be theft as no valuable items were taken. Shortly after those stories ran police arrested two juveniles. APnews reports the teens were identified from surveillance video. WHNT television reports the damage is estimated at $30,000.

A Virginia church grotto was vandalized and statues “irreparably damaged” Tuesday night according to a report from WTOP news. A post by the pastor on the church web site says, “I am so saddened by this act of disrespect and destruction of property…. Let us be people of peace who value and respect one another.”

Happenings in Southern Gospel this week, 1/30/2022:

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DAVID INGRAM

Please tell us if you know of a Southern Gospel concert anywhere in Canada, we’ll spread the word. Here are some other happenings this week.

The Talleys this week released the group’s version of Give Me Jesus.

Jason and Monica Matthews of The Wilbanks lost their home to a fire.  A Gofundme account has been set up to help them rebuild.

Congratulations to Legacy Five’s, Bryan Walker and his wife Bethany on the arrival of their son Boston Robert Walker.  This makes four children for the Walkers.  Boston arrived Tuesday, Jan. 25 at 7 pounds, 6 ounces and 19 inches long.  Mom and baby are said to be doing well! 

Kelly Nelon Clark is celebrating 45 years of singing Southern Gospel Music professionally

The Williamsons this week revealed the album cover for their new project Above Everything. The official release date is February 2.

Sunday Drive released a new single this week: Grace and Goodness.  Listen for it throughout the week on Texas Gospel Canada!

The Phillips Family had to cancel an appearance at the Community Baptist Church in Siler City, South Carolina due to an illness.

Courtesy: GoFundMe

Fire takes home of the Wilbanks’ Jason and Monica Matthews

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JEFF TURNER

The home of Jason and Monica Matthews of The Wilbanks is a total loss following a fire on Jan. 28.  While the home is gone, no injuries were reported.

A post to the group’s Facebook page says Jason and Monica escaped with just the clothes on their back.

A GoFundMe page has been set up to help them rebuild. After just six hours the fund had raised $17,725 of a $20,000 goal.