Southern Gospel World
Southern Gospel Reviews and Inspirational Insights

• 30 March 2010

Taking notes during the concert

Twelve to thirteen years ago, I used to watch the Phipps Gospel Sing’s weekly TV program. I’d never heard of it before but I started tuning into this hour-long program which featured about four songs by well-known Southern Gospel groups and, in between, would be comments by Andrew Phipps and his wife Shirlean and sometimes a friend of theirs. In a state where Southern Gospel music is hard to come by, this was such a blessing for me, and I grew to appreciate this husband and wife who host this program.

This past Saturday, I had my first opportunity to attend one of their sings and I was very blessed. The concert consisted of Kevin Spencer and Friends, J.B. & Barbara Spencer, The Chuck Wagon Gang, and the Primitive Quartet but what impressed me right off the bat was how quickly Andrew Phipps made God the center of the evening. You may think that’s a given at a gospel concert but often, it seems like the focus at concerts is on the singers instead of the One who has blessed the singers with the talent that we all enjoy.

Andrew asked someone to lead in prayer and then introduced Kevin Spencer.

Kevin Spencer & Friends

I had never had the opportunity to see Kevin in person before so this was a treat for me. He was joined by James & Starla Dean who will be starting their own group in September. They are working on a website but it doesn’t appear to be up yet.

Kevin & Friends started their set by singing “God Bless America Again.” They also sang, “So Much to Thank Him For,” “In the Sweet Bye and Bye,” “The Blood is Still There,” “Let’s Feel That Spirit Again,” “Leaving on my Mind,” and “I Wouldn’t Take Nothing for My Journey Now.” I was especially glad they sang “The Blood is Still There” as I remember that song on the radio. I love the quality of Kevin’s voice.

The Spencers

After Kevin’s group sang, his parents J.B. and Barbara joined him on stage to sing some of the old Spencer songs. Andrew introduced them as being genuine which is probably the greatest compliment you could give someone. I found them to be very sweet and was glad to see them again. I did see them years ago on their farewell tour so to be at this reunion was special for me.

The Spencers sang “Coming Soon,” “Let’s Meet by the River” (one of my favorites they sang), “The Model Church,” “Drinking From my Saucer,” and a bluegrass number, “When My Time Comes to Go.”

After their set, Andrew was talking and made the comment: “We’ve been more in love with the culture than we’ve been with the Creator.” More than just acknowledging the accuracy of that statement, I would encourage each of us to see if that is true of us. Nothing should mean more to us than loving with our whole heart the One who loves us more than we could dream! Our culture doesn’t love us but it can control us if we’re not careful.

The Chuck Wagon Gang

Next was The Chuck Wagon Gang featuring Stan Hill, Shaye Smith, Julie Hudson and Dave Emery. Dave was fighting allergies so they kept the bass solos to a minimum. Their song selection consisted of “I’m Getting Ready to Leave This World,” “Echoes from the Burning Bush,” “Church in the Wildwood” (which CWG originally recorded in 1936), “He Wrote My Name,” “Turn Your Radio On,” “Camping in Canaanland,” “O Come Angel Band” (the first time in their history, they didn’t use a guitar but sang a capella), “Heaven’s Jubilee,” “When He Calls Me (I’ll Fly Away),” “I’ll Fly Away,” “I Never Shall Forget the Day,” “Keep Traveling On,” (a song Rebecca Peck wrote), “Beulah Land,” “Heaven’s Really Gonna Shine.”

The Primitive Quartet

Last but certainly not least was The Primitive Quartet who has been singing at this venue since 1978. Norman Wilson was sick so wasn’t there but the guys still did a great job. Their set began with a couple of my favorite songs they sing: Gloryland is Nearing” and “Far Side Banks of Jordan,” a beautiful song that comes close to making me cry. Although a love song, as I listen, I picture Jesus standing by the river and extending His arms to welcome me Home when I finally make that journey. I can’t think of a more beautiful picture.

They also sang “He Didn’t Stay Dead,” “Dear Jesus, I Love You” (one of my favorite songs featuring Mike who has a beautiful voice), “I Wonder What They’re Doing in Heaven Today” (a song they sang a capella). Randy Fox then talked about his Uncle Ken who passed away earlier that afternoon. He gave his uncle’s testimony before singing “Walking in the Highway.” After that, they sang “Goodbye, World, Goodbye,” “Hallelujah He’s Risen,” “Looking Through New Eyes,” and “Didn’t He Shine.”

There was a brief intermission and then all the groups gathered on stage to sing a few more songs.

The next Phipps Gospel Sing will be held April 30 in Muncie, IN and will feature The Perrys and The Smoky Mountain Reunion. If you live in range of Muncie or if you would like to take a weekend vacation, I am sure this will be an incredible, spirit-filled event. More information may be found here.

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