First Baptist Church of California will be hosting the southern gospel quartet, The Calvarymen, in concert on Sunday, February 22. The public is invited to hear the wonderful harmony and message of hope provided by them.
The group was originally formed in the 1970"²s as The Disciples Quartet, which dissolved in 1984. The Calvarymen was formed in 1985. They have shared the stage with The Hoppers, The Martins, Brian Free, The Backwoods, The Lester's, The Dixie Melody Boys, The Steele's, The Freemans, The Isaac's, Tim Lovelace, Mark Bishop, Mark Trammell, The Perry's, Gold City Quartet, Karen Peck, Triumphant Quartet, and many others.
With tragedies faced by the quartet, the group has found the strength of the Lord as a constant guide. A fatal plane crash, in 1995, claimed the life of baritone Roger Hughes. Soon after, cancer claimed the life of bass singer Don Gardner. Lead singer Galen Dixon suffered a severe broken back injury and then, he fought a battle with stage 4 cancer which included a year of chemotherapy and radiation. Tenor Doren Keeler had a near death experience after being struck by lightning.
All of this has renewed the group's commitment to the necessity of spreading the message that all people need Jesus. Through all of these circumstances, the Lord has provided just the right individuals to keep the ministry of the Calvarymen going.
This September, the group will be celebrating 30 years of ministry, which includes four original members. The 16th recording project was just released this past December. Each of the Calvarymen is a born-again Christians with a desire to help others have a close, personal relationship with Christ. They also have the conviction that church attendance is a top priority and a vital part of "living the life".
You are invited to make plans to attend this concert on Sunday, Febr. 22, at First Baptist Church of California. The program will begin at 6:30 p.m. in the auditorium. We believe you will be encouraged and uplifted by the message in song. No tickets are needed for this event but a love offering will be taken to aid the group in continuing their ministry.