Oct. 2008
Hello brothers and sisters. It’s been so long since the last news report and those of you who read them probably think I’m so old I’ve passed on, or at the very least, lost my memory. Nope! While I do admit to being older, my memory isn’t what it used to be, and my body doesn’t want to do the things it once did easily, I’m actually having the time of my life! I mean, I’m retired from a regular job (don’t have to work if I don’t want to), I’ve got a wonderful and talented wife to share life with, three gifted children (two sons and a daughter) who continue to make dad proud every day, and nine grandchildren (all beautiful and brilliant, of course) and live on a rolling country farm we all enjoy. If that were not enough, God has given me a singing ministry that I dearly love and am devoted to. I am of all men most blessed! Even so, I must admit to being lazy when it comes to writing these news posts. Big surprise, right?
September = National Quartet Convention. Boy did we have a time! It was great to see all you folks that came by our both during the week. I can’t begin to name you all but be assured we love you and appreciate your friendship, prayers and support. The Patriots began the week by singing on the Monday afternoon Featured Artist Showcase. Many of you came to that. By the way, a photo of our set was featured on the Louisville Courier Journal website the following day. For all of you our-of-towners, that’s big to local Kentuckians! We also enjoyed our radio interviews, particular our half hour program on WCGW 770 AM with our friend Bruce Edwards. We finished the week tired but ready to get back on the road.
Following the NQC we spent a couple of weekends near home. I think the Lord knew we needed some time to rest a little (After all, some of the guys are getting on you know). We finished out the month by attending the Gospel Fest in Leitchfield IL. and the following day visiting with our good friends at Southside Church. Wouldn’t you know old Darrell would get sick for the whole trip? UGH! Oh, well, the Lord provided strength, as usual.
October began with a very busy weekend with five concerts in three days. All of them were within a couple of hours of home, so we had no problems. I particularly enjoyed singing for Goshen Baptist Church’s homecoming services on Sunday morning. Goshen has been my home church for over 45 years. On Monday night it was our privilege to once again perform in concert following Clay Lick Methodist Church’s annual “Burgoo Supper”. Clay Lick is David and Marie’s home church and the church Joe was pastor of when the singing group began that later became the Patriot Quartet. This burgoo supper tradition, I understand, was originally begun to commemorate Methodist Men’s Day sometime in the 1920s or 30s. Since then a lot of good men have stood out there and cooked and stirred burgoo all day long in those big black kettles over an open fire. Even more good folks have enjoyed the “fruits” of their labor, along with the wonderful desserts the ladies always bring along. A concert after such a day has to be “lively” just to keep those tired and tummy filled saints awake!
I do want to mention what a joy it was for us to travel over to the Danville IL area last weekend to sing at the Greer building in Fairmount on Saturday night and then visit with the folks at the Central Avenue Church of Christ on Sunday. These folks are very special to us and our visit is always a highlight. Thanks Bro. and Ms Raymie Gordon, John and Doris Sarver and all the rest of the folks there for your love and support.
This weekend we will be traveling to PA to attend the Streets of Gold Convention, so keep us in your prayers for safety on the road.
Don’t forget our Patriot Homecoming Friday and Saturday Oct. 24th and 25th at the Lawrenceburg Methodist Church located on the corner of bypass US 127 and Carlton Drive, just on the southern outskirts of Lawrenceburg. Our guests Friday night will be the always popular and entertaining Northmen from Ft. Wayne IN. Saturday will feature our close friends One Voice, a brother and sister duo from Crab Orchard Kentucky and a guest appearance by Lawrenceburg’s own Hilltop Trio. Of course the Patriots will be singing each night. Come and join us for a great time in the Lord. We are not charging admission but would very much appreciate a minimum ten-dollar donation at the door. However, everyone is certainly welcome and no one will be turned away for lack of funds.
Check our online schedule of events and come see us when we are in your area. We look forward to seeing you. Praise the Lord!
DG.