In Touch Ministries’ Dr. Charles Stanley Has Died
Beloved Atlanta-based pastor Dr. Charles Stanley has died on April 18th at the age of 90. Dr. Stanley served as senior pastor of the First Baptist Church for 49 years before retiring to the role of emeritus in 2020. Dr. Stanley was the founder of In Touch Ministries through which he broadcasted his sermons both on television and radio. He also authored countless faith-based books and was an avid photographer as well. His son Andy Stanley continues his father’s legacy as a senior pastor and founder of the North Point Community Church in Alpharetta, GA. He also has a married daughter, Becky and three grandchildren.
Donald Lawrence Carrying on Musical Legacy of Mentor Edwin Hawkins
Donald Lawrence, Grammy-winning songwriter/producer, and choir leader for The Tri-City Singers and Donald Lawrence & Company will be hosting Donald Lawrence Presents Edwin Hawkins Music & Arts Global “The Gathering”. Lawrence known for being a prolific gospel songwriter has had a vast musical career including serving as musical director for R&B songstress Stephanie Mills. Lawrence, who was a mentee of the legendary late gospel singer Edwin Hawkins, will be honoring his legacy and last wishes by hosting Hawkins’ annual Music & Arts seminar for the first time internationally. The seminar which includes master classes, choir sessions and concerts will be held at the Gaumont State Theatre in London, England April 27-29, 2023.
Baltimore Symphony Orchestra Hosts Gospel Fest 2023
Baltimore Symphony Orchestra (BSO) will be hosting it’s very first gospel music festival. Gospel Fest 2023 will be a two-day concert celebration that will be held at the Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall in Baltimore, MD on April 26th and April 27th and will feature Karen Clark-Sheard of the legendary Clark Sisters of the legendary Clark Sisters and “The Maestro” Richard Smallwood, who will join two HBCUs, the Morgan State University Concert Choir and the Howard Gospel Choir. The Baltimore Symphony Orchestra will also perform under the baton of BSO Associate Conductor, Jonathan Rush.
Gospel Power Couple David & Tamela Mann Celebrate 35th Anniversary
David and Tamela Mann have been a television fixture and part of Tyler Perry’s popular Madea franchise for more than two decades. On stage, they are the loveable and hilarious father and daughter duo, Mr. Brown, and Cora Brown, but in real life they are married high school sweethearts celebrating their 35th wedding anniversary on April 23rd. “A friend of mine brought her (Tamela) to the group where myself, Kirk Franklin and Darrell Blair sang, said David. The Humble Hearts was the name of that group where they got their start as singer and as a couple in Texas. Collectively, the pair have four grown children and eight grandchildren.
Last Words…
Bishop Hezekiah Walker Hosts “Quest of Fire” Youth Conference in Richmond, VA
“Quest of Fire” a three-day youth and young adult conference event with Bishop Hezekiah Walker is scheduled to take place in Richmond, VA on Friday, April 21st – Sunday April 23rd. The conference will be held in two locations, the First Baptist Church South Richmond, and the Virginia Union University with special guests: The Walls Group, Jermaine Dolly, Jor’Dan Armstrong, Kelontae Gavin, Twyse and Charles Butler & Trinity. Limited free registration as well as VIP registration are available on Eventbrite.