Gospel Singers Livened Church Services' by Susie Sansom-Piper, Rockdale Reporter

ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE TRACKS

SERIES 4, PART 3

By SUSIE SANSOM-PIPER

Reporter contributor

Rockdale Reporter - 02-17-2011

Gospel Singers Livened Church Services

Editor’s note: The fourth edition of Susie Sansom Piper’s Black History Month series “On The

Other Side of the Tracks” looks back to music and entertainment.

Life on the other side of the tracks was always filled with some worthwhile forms of

entertainment.

There were singing groups in every church, sponsored Saturday night playgrounds,

baseball games, sandlot softball and, for those who enjoyed night life, several local

cafes existed.

Rockdale even boasted an early Gospel singing group, which broadcast over Milam County

radio stations on Saturday mornings.

RADIO VOICES - Members were: Etta Cartwright Walton, soprano; Willie James Huff, alto;

Lucy Mae Brooks, soprano; Eula Bell Moultry, tenor; Elijah Brooks, tenor; Andrew

Walton, bass; Earnestine Mays, pianist.

Coming from New Hope Baptist Church were the melodious voices of: Ardie Judy, soprano

and pianist and soprano; Pearl Davis, soprano; Lillie Johnston, alto.

Everyone always looked forward to hearing this group sing “While the Blood is Running

Warm in Your Veins” or “If I Could Hear My Mother Pray Again.”

“Granny” Carrie Randolph was not only a singer but she continued to play the piano for

Sunday School and training union until her stiffened fingers could hardly manipulate

the keys.

Also serving New Hope in the music ministry were Barbara McKee, Tamara Hebert Powell,

Debra Boney, Mae Lois Metcalf, Bracy Lovelady and Robert Wortham.

TRIO - Springfield Baptist Church had featured a famous trio. Minnie Mullins

contributed her share of beautiful music, with her deep, heavy contralto voice, while

Eva Morgan sang lead with her shrill soprano.

Earnestine Mays sang soprano and accompanied the group. All of these groups sang at

many local gatherings in the community and in many other church gatherings.

Other musicians who contributed their talent to Springfield were Uneeda Rice, Bennie

Grigsby, Edgar “Buddy” Moultry, Alyce Shields, S. Ross, Lois Dykes and Susie Moultry.

Allen Chapel also boasted unique talent. For many years Courtney Cummings, Mettie Lynch

and Frankie Moore McDonald accompanied the choir.

Freddie Gray also served as organist for many years. Imogene Gray was also well known

for her melodic soprano voice.

Others who have contributed to the music ministry at Allen Chapel are Mildred Wilhite

Lovelady, Bracy Lovelady, Eric Bradford and Jo Ann Bradford.

NEW TALENT - With the transferring of Rising Star Baptist Church from the Sharp-Tracy

area to Rockdale, new talent was introduced.

Jackie Piper Thomas became church musician. Under the leadership of her father, Rev.

Piper, a citywide fellowship of singing and worship each month was developed. This

fellowship still exists today.

The next musicians were Helen Phillips and Eric Bradford. Present musician is JoAnn

Bradford. Under her leadership the music ministry has grown tremendously and serves the

city of Rockdale in many capacities.

Jessie Wells served the community as a piano music teacher. Most of the persons in this

article are deceased but there are still some who are active in music today.

All articles from the Rockdale Reporter are published with permission.
All credit for this article goes to
Susie Sansom-Piper and
the Rockdale Reporter

Author Susie Sansom-Piper recalls church musicians from past.

.