When I was young music was a lively part of our worship at the Springfield Church of God. Music was very important, both the songs and the music. We had a lot of musicians. There was always an organist, a pianist, several guitarists, a base player, accordion players, a saxophonist, trumpet players and others. Sometimes we even had a steel guitar.
In every service we had at least three occasions for songs. At the beginning an invitation was given for all who would to “come up and join the choir.” On Sunday mornings the adults and older youth were welcome to come forward. On Sunday and Wednesday evenings children could join the adults. During YPE on Friday nights the older children and youth made up the choir. The pattern was the same.
Women always filled the first two rows and the men lined the back. Brother W. B. Dykes was our song leader. He would call out a hymn number and everyone would turn there even if they already knew the words. Reading the music was important, even for those of us who didn’t know how.
While the choir sang, the entire congregation stood and sang with them. It was usually loud and lively. Most of the time we all clapped out the beat, that is all except the youth and a few sinners sitting in the rear of the sanctuary. Brother Dykes would get excited and begin to drift back and forth across the stage, facing the choir a while and facing the congregation a while. At times it seemed he was floating a few inches off the ground. With one he hand held the hymnal/songbook sometimes at eye level but often high above his head; his other hand was soon raised high as he directed with the flip of his wrist and fingers. His head would be shift between being raised toward heaven and tucked to his chest. It was as if his whole being became the song.
After they had led us in three or four songs the choir would march down and join their families in the congregation.
This first song service was followed by announcements and special prayers. Tithes were collected and offerings received as separate worship events. Before the sermon there was always a special song. Usually a trio or quartet, but sometimes a soloist would sing. When I was very young Charlene, Libby, and Mary comprised a young Ladies' Trio. Later, the Golden Gate Trio became prominent; often their first song was followed by “Inside the Gates” as an encore. Whoever sang, the special song marked a transition to the sermon.
The altar service followed the sermon. This provided another opportunity for music. The preacher invited people to come forward for prayer, first for salvation and second for sanctification and to “seek for the Holy Ghost.” As this portion of the service began the pianist and organist provided soft music. The music and prayers grew louder together and the other instrumentalists joined in. After a lengthy season of prayers with music, special singers would move to the platform and begin to sing what might be called victory songs. These were fast paced, enthusiastic, feel-good songs. We were celebrating the great things God was doing.
My mother never wanted to leave until the last prayer was prayed and the last song was sung. For evening services this could be quite late. For those who stayed this was the most special time of the service. A “holy hush” settled in with only the organist playing quietly as the scattered saints soaked in the peaceful presence of God. Sleep would be very good those nights.
I am indebted to Brother Dykes for modeling worship for me as a child. I am also thankful for all of the musicians. I cannot remember the names of most, but a few have stayed with me. Brother Dykes' brother, Wheeler, seemed to have the most fun playing the accordion when he was at church. Brother Dykes’ son, Bubba, played the guitar. His other son, Ronnie, who would later leave to become a Church of God pastor, would sometimes play the organ. Bubba's sons, Aubrey and Doyle began playing in the church band when they were quite young. Aubrey would later switch to piano and became a pastor in adulthood. Doyle of course went on to become an internationally acclaimed guitarist. When Brother Bud Braddock came to serve as pastor, Sister Braddock became the pianist; she was phenomenal. It seems I remember Larry Braddock playing the saxophone (although, it was Gary who made a career in music I understand). I don't remember the name of the trumpet player, but watching him made a real impression on me. I wanted to become a trumpet player in church. There were many others, each contributed to the beauty and excitement of worship at "the old Springfield Church of God."
Note: I would appreciate help with any names or facts I may have gotten wrong.
In every service we had at least three occasions for songs. At the beginning an invitation was given for all who would to “come up and join the choir.” On Sunday mornings the adults and older youth were welcome to come forward. On Sunday and Wednesday evenings children could join the adults. During YPE on Friday nights the older children and youth made up the choir. The pattern was the same.
Women always filled the first two rows and the men lined the back. Brother W. B. Dykes was our song leader. He would call out a hymn number and everyone would turn there even if they already knew the words. Reading the music was important, even for those of us who didn’t know how.
While the choir sang, the entire congregation stood and sang with them. It was usually loud and lively. Most of the time we all clapped out the beat, that is all except the youth and a few sinners sitting in the rear of the sanctuary. Brother Dykes would get excited and begin to drift back and forth across the stage, facing the choir a while and facing the congregation a while. At times it seemed he was floating a few inches off the ground. With one he hand held the hymnal/songbook sometimes at eye level but often high above his head; his other hand was soon raised high as he directed with the flip of his wrist and fingers. His head would be shift between being raised toward heaven and tucked to his chest. It was as if his whole being became the song.
After they had led us in three or four songs the choir would march down and join their families in the congregation.
This first song service was followed by announcements and special prayers. Tithes were collected and offerings received as separate worship events. Before the sermon there was always a special song. Usually a trio or quartet, but sometimes a soloist would sing. When I was very young Charlene, Libby, and Mary comprised a young Ladies' Trio. Later, the Golden Gate Trio became prominent; often their first song was followed by “Inside the Gates” as an encore. Whoever sang, the special song marked a transition to the sermon.
The altar service followed the sermon. This provided another opportunity for music. The preacher invited people to come forward for prayer, first for salvation and second for sanctification and to “seek for the Holy Ghost.” As this portion of the service began the pianist and organist provided soft music. The music and prayers grew louder together and the other instrumentalists joined in. After a lengthy season of prayers with music, special singers would move to the platform and begin to sing what might be called victory songs. These were fast paced, enthusiastic, feel-good songs. We were celebrating the great things God was doing.
My mother never wanted to leave until the last prayer was prayed and the last song was sung. For evening services this could be quite late. For those who stayed this was the most special time of the service. A “holy hush” settled in with only the organist playing quietly as the scattered saints soaked in the peaceful presence of God. Sleep would be very good those nights.
I am indebted to Brother Dykes for modeling worship for me as a child. I am also thankful for all of the musicians. I cannot remember the names of most, but a few have stayed with me. Brother Dykes' brother, Wheeler, seemed to have the most fun playing the accordion when he was at church. Brother Dykes’ son, Bubba, played the guitar. His other son, Ronnie, who would later leave to become a Church of God pastor, would sometimes play the organ. Bubba's sons, Aubrey and Doyle began playing in the church band when they were quite young. Aubrey would later switch to piano and became a pastor in adulthood. Doyle of course went on to become an internationally acclaimed guitarist. When Brother Bud Braddock came to serve as pastor, Sister Braddock became the pianist; she was phenomenal. It seems I remember Larry Braddock playing the saxophone (although, it was Gary who made a career in music I understand). I don't remember the name of the trumpet player, but watching him made a real impression on me. I wanted to become a trumpet player in church. There were many others, each contributed to the beauty and excitement of worship at "the old Springfield Church of God."
Note: I would appreciate help with any names or facts I may have gotten wrong.
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