For those of us with a passion for the lively sound of southern gospel music, the annual convention in Red Deer was a must on our agenda.
Held this year on the second weekend of July, we considered ourselves blessed to be a part of a larger community of Christians assembled to listen and participate in praise to God.
This year’s gathering celebrated the 20th anniversary of the event with another successful three-day weekend of gospel music.
Many of the groups hosted are familiar musicians, performing at large events across the U.S. and Canada.
As I regularly tune in to the Gaither Gospel Hour on Friday night, I have heard many of the artists sing and have heard their stories. I’ve witnessed lots of laughter and tears and have joined in on occasion.
Some of the groups tour through our area, performing at smaller events with church settings.
I’ve been privileged to hear Triumphant, the Hoppers and the Booth Brothers on many previous occasions. It was great to hear them once again and to feel myself among friends.
The first night of the event we were delighted to hear guest speaker Dr. David Jeremiah, pastor of a large San Diego congregation.
He is a well known, well loved and respected preacher. Although surprised to hear him in a smaller venue, we were blessed and encouraged.
He spoke on the David and Goliath account from the Old Testament, the book of I Samuel. He encouraged us to choose to run toward our challenges, not to back away.
During a break in the event I was greeted by a familiar yet unexpected voice.
My cousin Allen from the Tofield area had spotted me in the crowd and came to say hello. His family attends every year, he said.
I’ve been there for about five years and haven’t seen him before; great to chat a bit. He sounds so much like his father. Sadly, like most families we gather mostly at funerals. Lives are too busy but the need to be together is still strong.
As we slowly made our way out of the throng that first night I was approached by another couple, friends from Peace River, who had moved to Red Deer a few years ago. They too, often attend the concerts.
The first time I was at the event, I didn’t expect to meet anyone that I knew.
As my friend and I strolled through the booth area, a tall, slim lady in a flowing, summery skirt strode up to me.
She thrust out her hand and said, “Hi, I’m Priscilla.” Of course she was; another former Peace River resident. Once I knew the connection it was obvious.
The final night at the concert an Olds couple were seated directly behind us.
He instructed me that his expectations were “no standing, no clapping.” The fact that we are all taller may have factored into that. I have to say that we laughed with him and proceeded to ignore his instructions.
I learned early on to scan the crowd. Many from my own church were there, standing in line with me waiting for coffee or patiently edging their way into the booth section.
Everywhere there were hordes of people, in lineups, hugging old friends and smiling. No pushing, no verbal abuse, very little cutting into the line. There is a sweet spirit when believers gather together.
-Hoey is a longtime Gazette columnist
