The 91st Annual Missouri Mid-South Gospel Music Singing Convention is coming to Poplar Bluff, presenting residents with the chance to enjoy two nights of live gospel music celebration.
It will be held at New Covenant Fellowship Church at 3396 Kanell Blvd. Eight special guest performers will appear at 6:30 p.m. each night Friday and Saturday.
“Come out and you will see some of the best southern gospel singers alive today,” said Convention Committee Administrator Carl Parker.
“And it’s free with a love offering,” added committee member and gospel singer Patsy Weaver.
Parker and Weaver, along with Renee Voegtlin and Barbara Moreno, of the group The Messengers, and Ilene Ward and Jane Parker, took over the responsibilities of the convention when the long-time hosts Jerry and Sharon Mays of the gospel group Heart to Heart and Eldon Wright suffered personal losses earlier this year.
The Mid-South Gospel Music Singing Convention began in the 1930’s when Malden community members would bring potluck meals to barns, churches and auditoriums and listen to two nights of gospel music, according to materials released by the committee.
This year’s convention was scheduled to be held in Malden, but renovations at the town’s community center forced a change of venue.
“We really appreciate New Covenant letting us use their church facilities for this convention,” said Weaver.
Radio personalities Joyce and Ron Fowler of King of Kings Christian radio station 89.5 FM and Rick Jones of 106.1 FM will emcee this year’s convention.
Carl Parker and Patsy Weaver will appear on the first night with Corey Norris, Mitch Pullen and the bands Only Hope, Champions of the Lost, Heavenly Highway, the Reflections Quartet and the Messengers.
On the stage the second night will be Mike Wellman, Lonnie Hardy, Danny Norman, Phillip Frits, The Howell Family and the bands Liberty Belles, Joyful Noise and the 2023 International Country Gospel Music Association Group of the Year, The Tipton Family Singers of Cave City, Arkansas.
The performers represent a wide range of singing styles and churches.
“This is a great chance for all denominations to get together and worship the Lord as one body of God,” said Carl Parker.
“We love spreading the word of God through music,” said Weaver, pointing to the motto on the event’s published schedule.
“We do this for God,“ added Barbara Moreno, “We don’t want any glory.”