By Morgan Mizell

NATCHEZ — An outreach project at Calvary Baptist Church has grown into a little more. Their fourth show from 6-8 p.m. today will feature members of the church along with a few guest singers and musicians. Many of the artists have performed together through the years at different times, inlcuding the monthly “Big River Jamboree” at the Shrine Club on Morgantown Road.

“We wanted to have a free gospel, country music show,” Eddie Freeman said. “We built a stage and put in the needed electricity for the instruments and got ready to do this here in our fellowship hall.”

The core members, who perform the first Saturday of every month, include Eddie Freeman, Spanky Felter, Bob Buseck Sr., Jackie Britt, James Green, Wesley Bruce and Ivy Ray Thornton. Most of these musicians and singers have known each other and played together for most of their lives.

Freeman says the church also offers a concession stand, of sorts, in the back of the fellowship hall during the event every month.

“To offset some of the costs for hosting such an event, we have a catering service selling hot dogs and hamburgers and things of that nature,” Freeman said. “Mrs. Jennifer Cloy and Brenda Floyd head that up for us.”

Freeman says music is a medium that connects to people and the kind of music they play, especially the Gospel, has a way of getting through to people – it moves them.

“This is something that fills a void in our community,” Freeman said. “It offers a wholesome atmosphere for families to enjoy every month and we have even seen some of the people who have come to the show attend church.”

Freeman, who has an extensive history in music, including playing for various Opry acts and opening for the Stanley Brothers for several years, plays the steel guitar and electric guitar.

“We have been fortunate enough to have the support of the preacher and other members of the church,” Freeman said. “We hope to have to buy some more table and chairs in the near future and every time, before they leave, the preacher gets to talk to them.”

Interim Pastor, Timmy Cloy thinks this ministry is a way to share the Gospel with more people than just those that will listen to a sermon.

“As Brother Eddie mentioned, people can hear one line of a song and they get it,” Rev. Cloy said. “Our intention is to show people the Lord is alive and working at Calvary Baptist Church.”

Rev. Cloy, who sometimes joins the musicians on stage, has enjoyed seeing the growth of the outreach ministry.

“There is hope in Jesus Christ,” Rev. Cloy said. “A lot of people don’t know where to turn and they don’t have hope and faith and we want to show them there is hope and it is great fellowship and it is nice to see new people every time.”

Bob Buseck, Sr., who is the church music leader and plays bass with the group, is excited about the ministry.

“We are kind of catering to the older generation right now, but we want to do some things for the younger generation as well,” Busek said. “We would like this to be a community thing and we want everyone to get involved.”

Wesley Bruce, a member of Vidalia Baptist Church, has a long history in music. When he was asked to participate, he made sure to tell Mr. Freeman he had not played in nearly ten years.

“I told them I had not even picked up a drumstick in more than 8 years and I had donated my drums to another church,” Bruce said. “A few weeks later Eddie called me back to tell me the church had bought a set a drums and wanted to know if I would come put them together.”

From that time on, Bruce has been a permanent fixture with the group and says he has really enjoyed getting back into music.

James Green, an accomplished musician who attends Morgantown Baptist Church comes in to lend his talents to help out friends. This also applies to singer Jackie Britt who also attends church with him.

“We are familiar with this type of music and we all get along and have played together,” Green said. “We enjoy the music and we help out when we can and just have a good time.”

Jackie Britt has been singing with several of the guys for several years.

“I have sung with ‘Sounds of Joy’ for several years and I sang out at the Shrine club for more than ten years,” Britt said. “I have enjoyed it and I have even learned to enjoy the classic country music.”

The group hopes more and more people will come and enjoy this wholesome time of fellowship.

On another note, the church would also like to invite the community to come out on Sunday evening to hear musical artist Jeff Bates.

“We are excited to have him come and share his musical talents with us,” Jennifer Cloy said. “He also has an amazing testimony.”

The event will begin at 5 p.m. and is free and open to the public.