Harrowsmith Gospel Music Festival

Kelli McRobert | Sep 28, 2022

The Harrowsmith Free Methodist Church was host to it’s first annual Gospel Music Festival this weekend. Cars, congregation members and the public, could be seen heading to the back field and had the option to sit in their vehicles and enjoy the music or set up their folding chairs either in full sun or under some of the provided canopies. The large open field had excellent viewing spots for those that chose to sit on the soft grass or the children who found an ideal spot, not only in the shade, but on the bouncy trampoline that added some ‘childhood fun’ to their Sunday outing.

The volunteers had set up a well-run venue as hosts greeted people at the main entrance and directed traffic so there was no congestion or delays in getting into the parking lot or finding the ideal spot facing the main stage east of the church. Set up outside, the weather was ideal with a slightly cool breeze and bright fall sunshine that provided a warm backdrop to watch the 7 groups perform throughout the day.

When listeners built up an appetite, they could head towards the church lot where the food and beverage station was set up and offered up festival delights such as hot dogs, chips, hamburgers, and funnel cake. All this could be washed down with a tasty drink as you swayed to the sounds of the following performers:

• Our Journey Calls
• The Proverbs
• Vocal Legacy
• Linda King & the Warrens
• Surrendered
• Wayne & Mary Abrams
• Risen

Throughout the intermissions and stage changes, music was provided by ‘King Sound’ that kept the mood alive with Folk-like Gospel songs for all ages.

I would like to make a special mention to the group Our Journey Calls. As I watched the performance with a tear in my eye, I was pleased to see Kelly Nelles up there performing, and saddened to hear of his diagnosis. I am hoping you will be able to continue to make music together for a little longer and as they say, “the show must go on”, as difficult as this may be.

And for those not aware, the group The Proverbs performed and they have been nominated for ‘best album of the year’ by GMA Canada and top the charts being voted as Canada’s Top Mixed Gospel Group. Also amongst these well-known performers were Vocal Legacy from Westport, Ontario, who formed their group in 2012, and continue to entertain with their harmony and passion for gospel music. Ron & Evelyn Snider, and Terena Grice entertained the crowd sharing new and old favourites from their past albums Take One and Doin’ What’s Right.

As the last performer left the stage, spectators slowly headed home, many chatting along the way with friends and neighbours they have come to think of as ‘family’ with a common interest in community, faith, and the power of music, one hymn at a time.