EVERYTHING BRANSON: Old Time Country Gospel Music

Old Time Country Gospel Music

This past Sunday I attended the Old Time Country Gospel Music service . It is led by Genn and Sue Phillips and is held on Sundays at 11 am in the Little Opry Theatre at the IMAX in Branson.

The place was packed and everyone was ready to have a good time. Come early if you want to get a seat. Both Glen and Sue are older and were born about 1935. Glenn plays the guitar and sings with a voice that reminded me of old songs by Hank Williams Sr. Sue Phillips plays the keyboard and sings and writes music. Both are very funny with Glen sharing jokes from time to time and Sue playing making comments that are often best described as wry. Sue also wrote a song which she shared

entitled : “When I am an Old Lady.” Great fun.

The service begins with a prayer. The remainder of the time involves a “good old gospel sing” like they used to have on Wednesday nights at church when the pastor didn't preach. Old gospel songs were sung. I almost went back to my very early childhood when people sat around the radio on Saturday night and listened to gospel music. To be honest, this presentation hearkened back to an earlier age.

Several visiting artists and singers shared songs including one by the Barnett's who have a ministry singing in assisted living facilities.

Also, I enjoyed hearing the singing of Marty Williams who had a high tenor voice and was accomplished on the keyboard.

Surprising, this presentation did not really try to be a “show church” but instead was more of an old time gospel sing-along. A collection was taken to cover the rent and the service was over a few minutes after 12. People seemed to enjoy it and there was a good spirit there where people felt free to laugh and have a good time. I tell you you don't get rich or make a living off a Branson collection. Most of your audience is on a fixed income.

“Old Time Gospel Music” was what this presentation was called and it certainly lived up to its name.

Below are some pictures: