Gospel Messengers Celebrating 50 Years

By Allyson Dix, Managing Editor/Barren County Progress

The Gospel Messengers have been singing the praises of the Gospel for over fifty years, and the gospel group will soon celebrate its 50^th anniversary. The 50^th Anniversary and Reunion will start at 5 p.m. CST on August 25 at Owens Chapel Baptist Church at 303 South Dixie Highway in Cave City.

The evening will consist of a concert by the Gospel Messengers and recognition of the wives for both the late and current members.

On Monday evening, Glasgow Mayor Henry Royse signed a proclamation recognizing the group’s five-decade milestone with group members Kenneth Glover and Rev. James Glover III present for the reading.

Foundations

Founded by the late Rev. James H. Glover, Sr., the Gospel Messengers have performed numerous events and celebrations all across the state of Kentucky as well as other states.

In their early days, the gospel singing group endured a few changes before establishing the official Gospel Messengers. In 1969, James H. Glover, Sr., organized the singing group with members of the Male Chorus at Hopewell Baptist Church in Glasgow. The group was often referred to as The Brotherhood Specials or The Hopewell Specials.

Only one of the founding original group members, Richard Glover, still survives. The other original members included Lawrence Duke, John Glover, and James H. Glover, Sr.

In the early 1970s, John Glover moved to Glendale, Kentucky, leaving what was known as the “Trio” with James (lead singer), Lawrence (baritone and bass singer), and Richard (pianist and tenor singer).

It was in 1973 that the group officially changed its name to the Gospel Messengers, celebrating their first year at Hopewell Baptist on August 25, 1974, exactly 50 years to the day of this year’s celebration.

Other changes the group endured included Richard moving to Pontiac, Michigan, shifting the group from three to only two members; however, fate stepped in with the addition of James’ sons, James H. Glover, Jr. and Kenneth Glover, as well as Lawrence’s son, Eric Duke.

Through the years, the Gospel Messengers have had other members including Howard Hayden, Michael Rice, Fay Neal, Jr., Chester Bethel, James H. Glover III, Jordan Rice, Bradley Glover, Michael Campbell, and De’Angelo Paul.

Six members of the Gospel Messengers have been called and commissioned to preach the Gospel: Rev. John Glover, Rev. Eric Duke, Rev. James H. Glover, Sr., Rev. Michael Rice, Rev. Timothy Glover, and Rev. James H. Glover III.

Albums & Performances

 

The Gospel Messengers took their singing praises to vinyl record with the production of two albums entitled, “He’s Leading Me” in 1978 and “I’m Depending On The Lord” in 1987.

The ensemble has performed at numerous events over the last five decades including the NAACP Freedom Fund and Awards Banquet on November 21, 1981 at Western Kentucky University, Metcalfe County’s Kentucky Bicentennial Celebration on June 14, 1992, Branstetter Park’s Annual Homecoming on September 4, 1983, the Kentucky State University Alumni Association Scholarship Fund Bowling Green Chapter on March 5, 1989, Mammoth Cave National Park’s 50^th Anniversary celebration in June of 1991, and both Adair and Barren County fairs. They’ve also held numerous concerts in Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, West Virginia, Tennessee, Mississippi, and all around the state of Kentucky.

The Messengers were inducted into the UPPER INC 1989 Bowling Green/Warren County Hall of Fame, Kentucky Black Gospel Music Hall of Fame, and they were nominated and selected as the 1992 Traditional Gospel Quartet of the Year by the Kentucky Chapter of the Bluegrass Gospel Workshop of America.

Members of the Gospel Messengers said in a statement, “The Gospel Messengers thank God for allowing them the privilege to share the Gospel through song for 50 years. The Gospel Messengers would like to pay tribute to our Founder the late Rev. James H. Glover, Sr., Founding Member the late Deacon Lawrence Duke, Founding Member the Late Rev. John C. Glover, and Member Deacon Howard Hayden.”

“The group is extremely blessed to have a Founding Member Deacon Richard Glover still within the ranks as he serves as the bridge between the original Gospel Messengers and those who have followed in their footsteps for 50 years. To God be the Glory,” the statement also said.

The Gospel Messengers continue with their message of the Gospel through singing and musical gatherings while always giving thanks to God and for the freedom of sin through salvation. Many times, including back in 1980 at the group’s 6^th anniversary at Hopewell Baptist, James H. Glover, Sr., the founder of the Gospel Messengers, said in a statement that their prayer is that God will continue to lead the group. Those prayers have carried the Gospel Messengers for fifty years, both near and far.

Everyone is welcome to attend the Gospel Messengers’ 50^th anniversary at Owens Chapel Baptist Church. Master of Ceremonies will be Brother Brian Brown.