Concert series takes gospel turn

The Simple Faith Quartet began singing hymns around a piano in a friend?s home one night after a revival service 18 years ago. At that time, the four beginning members were Joseph Sluder, who sings tenor and plays piano, Jonathan Sluder, who sings bass and plays mandolin, DeWayne Brown, who sings lead and plays the lead guitar, and Stephen Brown, who sings baritone.

Soon after their humble beginning, the quartet began singing mountain gospel music in local churches. Since then, the quartet has been spreading the word of God through rejoicing songs.

?When we started this, we just wanted to be a blessing to folks,? said DeWayne. ?We?ve tried to maintain that faith. We?ve been blessed to be able to touch a lot of lives ?

Current band members also include three who joined later: Caleb Sluder, who plays bass guitar, Ronnie Edwards, who plays rhythm guitar, and Chad Edwards, who plays lead guitar.

Although Simple Faith has gone through changes in the last 18 years, its mission has remained the same: ?To lift up the glorious name of our Savior and Lord Jesus Christ, to whom we owe all our praise.?

Friday night?s performance will feature old-time gospel music and some songs that were written by the quartet.

?We hope we can be a help to someone in McMinnville,? said DeWayne. ?We want people to leave the performance and be touched by Jesus. We want them to remember Him and not so much us.?

The music will start with The Pelhams opening for Simple Faith at 7 p.m. on the West Lawn of Security Federal on West Main Street. Food and beverage vendors are open at 6 p.m.

The event is free and sponsored by River Park Hospital, Dr Pepper Bottling Company of McMinnville, the Law Offices of Galligan and Newman, Ben Lomand TV, Clear Channel Radio and the Southern Standard, your source for local news.