HAMLET — All of Richmond County is invited to a gospel concert on Thursday which will benefit the Masonic Home for Children at Oxford.
Members of the Hamlet Masonic Lodge No. 532 AF & AM recently announced that they are holding a benefit — A Southern Gospel Evening 2 — for the home at Cole Auditorium, with the music beginning at 7 p.m.
According to its website, the Masonic Home for Children exists for one purpose: “to help children in need of a stable, caring, and loving home.”
The state licensed and nationally accredited home utilizes a family-living model, providing the children with: individual living spaces; essentials for daily living; extra support for special needs; and a promise for full development and learning, from infancy to young adulthood.
Slated to perform are three groups familiar to Richmond County: Eastern Sonrise, The Cameronian Quartet, and The Glory Bound Quartet.
Hailing from Rockingham, Eastern Sonrise has used music to carry the message of Jesus Christ to churches and concert stages for 46 years.
Bob Smith is the lead singer and also serves as the music director and associate pastor at Rivers of Life Worship Center. Baritone vocalist Gene Player has traveled extensively with two major groups, and he believes there is “no better place to be than with these fine men,” according to a brochure. Tenor Lowell Davis is the newest member of Eastern Sonrise and is from Lumberton. His love of music began while playing the trumpet in his high school band.
David Covington, a member of the group since its beginning, recently passed away.
The Cameronian Quartet is a spin-off of the original Cameronian Boys. This group has performed together since July of 2011.
Mike Snead is the tenor, and Tommy Chriscoe sings bass. These two worked together to reorganize the Cameronian Quartet after the original group could not continue. Dan Allen is the lead singer, joining the group after being a member of the Community Choir. Baritone Kenneth Lynch is a lifetime member of Cameronian Presbyterian Church, serves as an elder and sings in the choir.
“I enjoy lifting up the name of my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ in song,” Lynch said.
The Glory Bound Quartet began its musical ministry in 1998 and has been very successful through many years of gospel music.
Baritone Eddie Inman is a founding member of the group, entertaining others with his smooth vocals and songwriting talent. Bass singer Chris Harrison has been involved in gospel music since the age of 15, and also has a smooth style. Lead vocalist Ronald Locklear was discovered by the group singing at a homecoming. He agreed to bring his talent and spirit to the group. The newest member of Glory Bound is tenor Allen Thompkins. He grew up around bluegrass, country and gospel music and credits his father for his musical influence.
All of the groups performing on Thursday evening are doing so at no charge to the Masonic Lodge, which will enable all proceeds from ticket sales — and more than 20 sponsors of the event — to go directly to the home.
The first Southern Gospel Evening last year raised $4,200. MHCO Administrator Kevin Otis will be present to receive a check at the gospel sing.
The Masons offer thanks to their sponsors, Cole Auditorium, and Debbie Allen for her hard work for designing the pamphlets and flyers.
Tickets are $10 and are available at the Cole box office, Good News Christian Bookstore in Rockingham, or from any lodge member. Call Steve McIver at 910-995-4842 for tickets. Children 12 and under will be admitted for free.
