Newsletter

8th Annual North Carolina Fall Gospel Classic 2004

October 26, 2004

The Lighthouse Gospelettes attended the 8th Annual North
Carolina Fall Gospel Classic which was held October 13-16,
2004 at the Red Budd Holy Church, in Rocky Mount, North
Carolina, where Bishop F.C. Barnes is Pastor. The Fall
Classic was presented by Luther Barnes Song Ministries.
The theme for this years Fall Classic was "It's Your Time
To Be Blessed". The Classic Objective is to bring
salvation, healing, deliverance, unity and knowledge to the
gospel community. It is designed to bring the total Gospel
Community together to fellowship, uplift, and learn from
each other as we seek to better ourselves as commissioners
for the Lord's work. It's purpose is to minister to the
specific needs of the gospel performer, to expose and
promote promising upcoming gospel talent, and to provide an
environment for artists, musicians, announcers and record
companies to network.

The Lighthouse Gospelettes attended various workshops
daily, luncheons, and nightly services. Some of the
workshop panelist were: (Monday Night)- Luther Barnes, Dr.
Ted Wilson, Pastor Walter Ellis, Drexel Mitchell (Platinum
Records), Kenneth Taylor, Glen Stevenson, Dr. Sharon
Elliot-Bynum, Earl Bynum, Cindy E. Gainey, Tina Bone, Billy
Herring. They spoke on the following topics: Your Body,
Writing & Publishing, Professional Management, Packaging
the Product, Tracking & Promotion. (On Tuesday Afternoon)-
The Lighthouse Gospelettes joined a host of other artists
for a Luncheon in celebration of Shirley Caesars Birthday.
The Word was brought by none other than Pastor Shirley
Caesar. Guest groups performing at the Birthday Luncheon
were Bobby Wilson & Holy Vision, Bo-Peep & Good News, and
Charles Davis & The Clouds. (On Friday) - Workshop
Panelist were: Bishop Samuel Butler, Bishop Sam Williams
(National President for Radio Announcers Guild), Rev.
George Stewart, Tyrone Porter (The Christianaires), P. Ann
Everson-Price, Rev. James Bellamy, Evangelist Evelyn
Turrentine-Agee, Leo Regular, Rev. Jerry Bolton, Steve
Bracey, and others. The topics were: Breaking into the
gospel Scene, Understanding Your Calling, A Place for
Musicians. Steve Bracy did a special session on The Small
Studio.

The Lighthouse Gospelettes performed at the Red Budd Holy
Church where Bishop F.C. Barnes is Pastor, on Oct. 16th.
They were received well with people standing to their feet,
and loud applause. The Lighthouse Gospelettes were the
first group to attend the Fall Classic from Athens, GA.
However, other artists were there from various parts of
Georgia such as Millegeville, GA, Savannah, GA, and some
other areas as well. The Lighthouse Gospelettes made
contact with a number of Radio Personalities/other Media
Representatives, Producers, Promoters, Record Companies,
Pastors/Ministers, and well known artists.

The trip to Rocky Mount, NC to attend the Fall Classic was
well worth the time not only because of the contacts made,
but because of the fellowship, praise and worship, and
ministering of God's Word. The group learned so much more
about the Gospel Music Industry and gained insight on the
future of the Gospel Music Industry. More importantly,
God's Word was brought each night by guest ministers as
well as Red Budd Holy Church's own Bishop F.C. Barnes.
Luther Barnes stated in so many words that he wanted The
Fall Classic to not only be about singing, but more
importantly what we are singing about. Gospel singers need
to know God's Word. We can't make it to heaven just by
singing alone.

The nightly services featured soul stirring selections by a
number of new artists as well as well-known artists such as
The Williams Brothers, Bishop F.C. Barnes and Company,
Luther Barnes, The Sensational Nightingales, Evangelist
Dorothy Norwood, Bishop Neal Roberson, Lil Willie & The
Keynotes, Pastor Timothy Wright, Doc McKenzie & The
Hi-Lites, The Jackson Southernaires, Tommie Ellison & The
Singing Stars, Greg Kelly & Foundation, The Evereadys, The
Memphis Harmonizers, Slim & The Supreme Angels, Easter
Michigan Gospel Choir, RXG, The Mime Boyz, New York
Fellowship Mass Choir, Mark Greene Family & Friends and
more. Guest Ministers who shared God's word during the
Fall Classic were: Evangelist Shirley Caesar, Evangelist
Beverly Crawford, Bishop Kenneth Robinson, Pastor Nell
Smith-Spells, Pastor Timothy Wright,Pastor Audrey
McCarter-Hedgepeth, Rev. Walter Ellis.

The Lighthouse Gospelettes had the opportunity to
join Evelyn Turrentine-Agee on stage to sing "God Did It"
to close out the final night.

The Lighthouse Gospelettes thank Luther Barnes for inviting
them to take part in the 2004 North Carolina Fall Gospel
Classic. It was an experience to remember and cherish.
The Lighthouse Gospelettes look forward to Fall Gospel
Classic 2005. "It's Our Time To Be Blessed".