The Telestials present concert at Gath

The Telestials will present a night of worship and praise as they perform Sept. 18 at Gath Baptist Church. The concert begins at 7 p.m. There is no charge for admission, but a love offering will be taken.

Keeping the faith. It almost seems to be an out-of-date concept these days. After all, we live in an instant society. So it is rare to find people who have dedicated over 30 years of their lives to keeping a ministry alive. But Jim and Beth Glass have done just that with The Telestials.

The group was established back in 1963 with a trio of women including Beth and her sister, calling themselves The Harmony Trio. They sang at church functions, then traveled to Atlanta in 1966 to record their first album.

With the addition of male vocals in 1969 the group started to expand.

The Dove Award nominations started in 1976 with “Here They Come,” in 1977 with “Only Way Flight” and in 1978 with “Free Indeed.”

Recent releases “One Day” and “He Was Thinking of Me” both achieved the number one position on the “Solid Gospel” radio network. “He Was Thinking of Me” was also selected for the CD “Shout Glory,” a compiling of the yea’s top songs by Springhill Music. Current radio single, “That’s Why I Come To Church,” is now climbing the charts.

Family has always been a strong component in the group. Through all the years, Jim Glass has continued to manage the group, and the Glass Children have carried on the family tradition , now including grandchildren.

“Getting the message out is the heart beat of the group,” Beth Glass said. “We know where the blessings come from, and we know the Blessed.”

Current members with Jim and Beth Glass are Jerry and Bethany Brown, Caleb Brown and Matt Hill. They record for New Wine Records and their latest recording is titled, “Higher Call.”