Proclaimer News

PRAY FOR AMERICA

NEW HAPPENINGS

MIKE DOUGLAS TO LEAVE THE PROCLAIMERS

Current member Mike Douglas will be leaving The Proclaimers as of November 17th. No final decision has been made on all the details of his departure concerning a replacement, who will run the website, and so forth.

If you'd like to see the website continue, please let Jim Ross or one of the other guys know how much you appreciate it.

The Proclaimers will go on singing and sharing the gospel in song, so don't forget to book them for the year 2004. They will continue to do the kinds of songs that you want to hear-great Southern Gospel Music!

A final word from Mike: "I want people to know how much I appreciate every one of you who have supported The Proclaimers from the point of their conception to my final days as a Proclaimer. I hope that you will continue to support this great group of men that God has allowed me to sing with these past six years. They are good-hearted men who care about you and your relationship with Jesus Christ."

"Please continue to support The Harold Board Fund. You can't begin to realize what a difference YOU are making in the lives of young people everywhere. Every penny you give to this fund is used appropriately to send children to church camps and young people to The Stamps-Baxter School of Music. My hope is that one day, this fund will also send a young person to seminary to become a Pastor."

"You are, and always will be my friends in Christian Service for the Lord. A ministry like The Proclaimers cannot survive without your love, prayers, and support. Thanks for being so kind to us all."

"Right now, the future holds great things for me as a Christian. God has some kind of ministry waiting for me. Most likely it will involve singing Southern Gospel Music which I love. Yet I must be willing to wait upon the Lord. He will provide that answer soon."

To my fellow Proclaimers: "I would like to thank all of you for allowing me to be a part of your Quartet. It has been a very satisfying and enjoyable experience, singing for my first time with an all-male quartet. I want you to know that I depart with a great love for each of you. I will always remember the fun that we've had, sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ together. A part of me will always remain with you, and a part of you, will always remain with me. For now, we depart, but you will always be in my prayers. Thank you, and may God Bless The Proclaimers."
 

THE PROCLAIMERS TO OPEN FOR GREATER VISION

The Proclaimers will be opening for Greater Vision at the Parkersburg Christian School on September 27th at 7:00 pm. We want you to come out for a great evening of gospel music and hear not only The Proclaimers, but one of our favorite groups, Greater Vision.

Contact Jim Ross for tickets and directions at 1-304-485-2156

THE PROCLAIMERS RAINED OUT AT LEAVITT'S SING

There was a great crowd on hand for the Annual Leavitt's Gospel Sing this year. Yet as the skies began to darken, the outlook for finishing the concert looked dim. With only The Proclaimers to go, the winds began to pick up and lightning filled the distant skies, the decision was made to cancel the rest of the sing, and it's a good thing they did.

After the decision was made, only a short time remained to tear down the equipment before the storm hit. Thankfully, no equipment was damaged and everyone was able to return home safely.

Our thanks goes out to Leavitt's for their quick response in making the right decision.  Maybe next year, The Proclaimers will get to sing. However, we believe the right decision was made and we hope to see you next year.
 

THE PROCLAIMERS SING AT CAMP ECHO

The Proclaimers were privileged to sing at Camp Echo, a summer camp for challenged young people and had a wonderful time singing, as well as, talking and sharing with the campers and counselors.

It was a big crowd of young people, who really enjoyed every song we sang. Folks, we go to a lot of places to sing, but we must tell you the joy that we felt after getting hugs and appreciation from those wonderful young people was just a taste of what Heaven will be like. There is nothing like it anywhere.  Before we even started singing, we were truly blessed as the campers welcomed us with open arms.

We could have sang all night long of our wonderful Savior, Jesus Christ and I don't think they would have been a bit disappointed. We sang continuously for better than an hour and wore Jim out! Yet, it was worth every minute of it see the joy upon all their faces.

God bless the counselors and campers at Camp Echo.  Thank you so very much for the opportunity to come and sing for you!
 
 

THE HAROLD BOARD MEMORIAL SING 2003

   The Proclaimers fundraiser for "The Proclaimers Gospel Quartet Fund for Christian Youth in Memory of Harold R. Board" went off without a hitch this year with a few wonderful surprises. This year, the money that has been raised will provide support for children who desire to go to church camps. In addition, one recipient will be provided help as he attends The Stamps-Baxter School of Music. A school that provides training to young people wishing to go into the gospel music ministry. So we look forward, in the future, of hearing more from this young man.

Vienna Baptist Church once again so kindly opened their doors to the event.  Pastor Nathan Williams opened the concert with prayer and then the 3 hour event followed with great singing, not only from The Proclaimers, but also from The Bible Believers, The Servants Quartet, and The Williams Family. Each of the groups provided some of the best gospel music you could ever hear anywhere.

Pastor Nathan Williams of Vienna Baptist Church opens with prayer.

Carol George plays some of her dad's favorite gospel songs.

The crowd of over 350 people enjoyed and celebrated the life of a man that had sung gospel music in the area for a long time....Mr. Harold Board.  Joining us were his wife, daughter, family and friends. We were also very privileged to have members of The Parkersburg Area Community Foundation to present a special award from the fund to a very special young person.

The Proclaimers singing some of their favorite songs.

We'd like to thank all those who attended the event.  It is great to know that so many people loved Harold and all that he stood for through his ministry.  That same ministry will continue his work here upon this earth in honor of his Lord.

Just remember, we continually need YOU to help us to continue this ministry and we look forward to the event growing not only numerically, but in your giving, with all proceeds going to  "The Proclaimers Gospel Quartet Fund for Christian Youth in Memory of Harold R. Board".  All the groups donated their time to do their part in seeing God's ministry grow.

TO SEE MORE PICTURES, CLICK HERE
 
 

GUERNSEY GOSPEL JUBILEE ASSOCIATION

The Proclaimers will be at The Guernsey Gospel Jubilee Association's 15th Annual Fall Gospel Sing on Saturday, September 20, 2003, at the Spring Valley Campgrounds in Cambridge, OH.  Last year, The Proclaimers had a chance to sing to their biggest crowd ever and we hope that you will plan to join us.  The sing includes over 1000 gospel music lovers along with some really great groups and soloists.  After hearing some of the great open talent from last year, we know that you won't be disappointed.  We honestly didn't hear a group that we didn't like.   We would like to thank Quincy Edwards for inviting us again this year, and we hope to see you there.

If your interested in receiving a brochure about this year's sing, call Quincy at 740-432-3787.
 

HAROLD BOARD MEMORIAL FUND

  The Proclaimers honored one of it's founding members by setting up a fund to send children to youth camps and the possibility of sending others to a gospel music school in the future. You can send your donations to: "The Proclaimers Gospel Quartet Fund for Christian Youth in Memory of Harold R. Board".  The moneys that you give will be added to this fund and should be over and above your tithe.  Applications are available for youth who would like to attend camps this summer and in years to come. Make sure you contact Jim Ross for applications as soon as possible.  Send your donations to:

Harold Board Fund
PACF
P.O. Box 1762
Parkersburg, WV 26101
304-428-4438

Dave and Jim present the check from the Harold Board Memorial Concert to
Moriha Buck of the Parkersburg Area Community Foundation.

    The Fund, shall be used and distributed, in the discretion of the Board of Governors of the Foundation,  for the purpose of supporting Christian youth and Christian youth groups in need of financial assistance in order to attend Christian Service related events, for example (but not limited to), attendance at camps, educational events or other church and community service activities.

    As with anything,  we want you to be able to participate in helping these youth out by giving to this wonderful fund.  So please plan on taking part in this wonderful ministry.   Look for more information at our concerts on how you can help.  People give to many different organizations and some are not even sure where their money is really going, but we guarantee you that this money will be spent correctly, focusing on Christian Youth.

    We know that through this fund, Harold's love for evangelism will continue on, and you too, can help make it happen!
 

JASON CALTRIDER RECEIVES HELP FROM THE HAROLD BOARD FUND

Jason Caltrider is headed to The Stamps-Baxter School of Music with help from "The Proclaimers Gospel Quartet Fund for Christian Youth in Memory of Harold R. Board".

Judy Sjostedt, member of The Parkersburg Community Foundation
presents Jason with the award.

Jason doing what he loves best.

Jason with Harold's daughter Carol and wife Vonda.
 
 

"STEP BY STEP"

 NEW: The Proclaimers newest project entitled, "Step By Step" is  HERE!   You will be hearing some new material. as well as some old favorites.  From the southern gospel sounds of "Step By Step", "A Place Has Been Reserved", "Glory Is Waiting"...to the country sounding flavor of "Somebody Touched the Lord", "I Know What Lies Ahead", "Citizen Of Two Worlds"...to the soothing melody of "God Wants To Hear You Sing" and a calypso style song called, "Silently Singing His Song", we're sure that you will find a song that truly blesses you over and over. We also have an acappella song called, "Wait Upon The Lord" that we have been singing at our concerts recently and Mike's newest song, "That Dusty Bible". We haven't figured out what kind of style it is yet! We think it's a cross between rock-a-billy and southern-fried gospel music, but we think you'll like it and the message it proclaims.

  Both the CD version and tape of the new project are now available for purchase. If you are in a hurry to receive a copy, contact Jim Ross. The price of the new project is $10.00 for tapes and $15.00 for CD's.

    The cover for the new project was designed by Jason Wharton and Paul Ross. The picture was taken by Foto 1 in Vienna, West Virginia.  It is one of the best cover designs that I have ever seen.  We sure appreciate Jason and Paul's artwork.  Hey, they could be in the running for a Grammy for best artwork and cover design of a southern gospel recording. WOW! It seems impossible, but who knows????

        The album could be described as southern gospel music sprinkled with a little bit of The Proclaimers style, with a soothing flavor of harmony that will exhilarate and lift up your spirit as well as the hard driving tunes you have gotten used to each time you have heard us in concert.  We guarantee there will be something for everyone to enjoy including some brand new songs you've never even heard before. We are EXCITED!

        We want to thank all the folks at Harvest Gospel Studio for all the work they put in making this project a great success.  Mark Hale, the engineer, spent 30 hours with us making sure that we had a project and the sound, that his studio is known to produce.  Mark knows his business when it comes to putting out top quality projects.  Thanks, Mark!

  CLICK HERE TO SEE PICTURES FROM THE RECORDING OF OUR VOCALS

TO HEAR SOME CLIPS FROM THE NEW PROJECT CLICK HERE!
 

THE PROCLAIMERS MEET JOHN "DARIN" ROWSEY, FORMERLY OF  KAREN PECK AND NEW RIVER

    We were privileged to meet John Rowsey of Karen Peck and New River while at the studio.  John has a song that he has written nominated for a Dove Award; one of gospel music's most highest honors in the category of Best Song.  John is also a talented musician, producer, and singer.  When he's available, he plays some of the sessions at Harvest Gospel Studios. Click on John's name for pictures of the recording of our music tracks.
 
 

THANKS FOR CHRISTIAN SONGWRITERS

The Proclaimers want to thank each and every songwriter that have submitted their songs for all of our projects.  We can't begin to tell you how privileged we feel to be able to record your songs.  Already God is using your songs to touch the lives of people as they listen to each message that has been proclaimed.  I wish we had enough room to record all of the great songs we have listened to and enjoyed so much, but we are limited in space and time.  One of these days we will all be singing songs that even the angels cannot sing.  What a joy that will be!   We also want you to know that we do listen to each and every song you send our way so keep on writing for the glory of our Savior and Lord, Jesus Christ.

Here are some of the writers who wrote some the brand new songs for "Step By Step".  Pastor Jim Watters wrote the title cut to our Project called, "Step By Step".  Jimmy sings the lead part while the rest of the guys add in some special harmonies. This song is a wonderful song with great words and meaning behind it!

Mike's friend, Randy Snodgrass, a talented songwriter and musician, wrote "Glory Is Waiting". It is your traditional down-home, die-hard, southern gospel tune sprinkled with a little of Randy's fine talent.  Mike gets to lead this one, as Dave adds in some of the finest bass singing southern gospel music has ever heard.  He's low, he's smooth, and he does it with so little effort!  Paul adds some southern gospel tenor on the last chorus that will literally knock your socks off!! What a great song!!

Susie Lemon, a local songwriter in the Parkersburg, WV area, gave us a song called, "My Place Has Been Reserved".  We all get to add harmonies to this song. With a country-bluegrass flavor, this song talks about that place that Jesus has reserved for us in Heaven and features something we have never done vocally before.  We each get to sing our parts in a little different way in the last chorus,  each of us going in separate directions.  Sometimes Jim has a tendency to lose his way during this song!  This song is one you die-hard bluegrass gospel music fans will definitely love!  Look out Lewis Family, here we come!

Keith Turchan, a fine songwriter who sent us a song called, "Silently Singing His Song", spent some time at Bill Gaither's School of Music.  This song features our fine bass singer, Dave DeBarr who sings, get this, silently! He is so smooth on this song that it will just give you chill bumps from top to bottom.  You'll  probably say, "The Proclaimers? Silently singing a song??? We did accomplish it!  By the way, this is Keith's first song that has ever been recorded and believe me, it's a great one!

Jim has been telling you about the song that Mike wrote, entitled, "That Dusty Bible".  Of course, Jim tells you a lot of things and some are longer than others.  After all, he is our MC, which means he can say anything he wants and get away with it. Again, he is able to say that Mike sings all the verses to his own song.  Hey, Mike writes 'em that way. It ensures him of getting at least one solo on each project.  With the help of his friend, Randy Snodgrass,  Mike sang the song for Randy and told him how he wanted it to sound.  Randy played as Mike taped it on a handheld cassette recorder and then we took it to the studio.  When the time came to record the song, Mike told the musicians what music he wanted to hear in his song and how he wanted it to go.  You'll hear the final product whenever you come to one of our concerts or you can purchase the new project.  What a great song for the perilous times we are living in!
 
 

HARVEST GOSPEL STUDIO

    The Proclaimers have recorded all three of our projects at Harvest Gospel Studio in Huntington, WV.  Mark Hale, owner of the studio records only the best kind of music around, GOSPEL MUSIC!

    If you are interested in making a recording at a Christian owned recording studio, be sure to check our links for Mark's web page!  He will make you feel at home in an atmosphere of praise and adoration to the Lord!

    You will start your recording session with prayer and go home a satisfied customer!  All the tracks used by The Proclaimers were recorded at Harvest Gospel Studio.
 
 

SOUTH PARKERSBURG U.M. CHURCH ICE CREAM SOCIAL

   Another ice cream social is in the record books! There was a great crowd of enthusiastic southern gospel music fans on hand to enjoy their favorite type of music.  A very pleasant day in the shade, good food, ice cream, desserts and singing. There was plenty of fun for the kids too!

Jim also had a new record for hotdogs eaten in the shortest amount of time. Hey, he was eating by the time I got there!  It was certainly a lot of fun.

JIM ROSS PUTS THE PROCLAIMERS ON A DIET!

I know that it is sad to hear, but Jim has put all the guys on a diet!  So far, we have only been to a couple of places that he has booked,  that has had food.  Not to worry though, Jim will get us back to prominence once again as we head into the summer months. Although,  He has left a couple of places crying like a voice in the wilderness because of his inability to get a booking where they have GROCERIES!
 
 

THE PROCLAIMERS ARE NOW BOOKING FOR 2004

  Hey, The Proclaimers are now booking for 2004.  Start planning right now to have The Proclaimers come to your special event, revival, church, fair, homecoming, etc.  If you start early, it will make it easier for you to obtain the date you want and help us to be able to work around our personal schedules.  The Proclaimers sing from January to November and try to take off in December, to enable us to prepare for the holidays and work on some new songs.  We thank you for having us this year, and we hope that you'll have us back once again in 2004.

If you have never heard us before, take a listen to some of our songs on our Projects page.
You can contact us through Jim Ross at (304)485-2156. Thanks!
 
 
 

THE PROCLAIMERS PREPARING FOR "STEP BY STEP"

  Here's a few pictures of the guys listening to some new material for their newest project.  Whereeee's Mike?????? We have some new pics from the recording of last year's project. CLICK HERE