ABBOTT METHODIST CHURCH ORCHESTRA

 

Music at the Abbott Methodist Church has evolved since the beginning service in which Willie and Bobbie Nelson brought the Family Band and Leon Russell to re-open the church in 2006.  Willie stopped by several times over the years and Bobbie would accompany him on the piano as he would usually sing, “Family Bible”.

Many talented people have come to perform for the congregation during the worship services that are held today.  George Hamilton IV who was famous for writing the song, “Abilene” came by and visited during the service.  Ron Blackwood and the Blackwood Quartet, who grew up with Elvis Presley brought his group and they performed at the church and did a couple of concerts at the truck stop formerly known as “Willie’s Place”.  I had the pleasure of performing with the Blackwood Brothers and I also had the privilege of performing with Mark Blackwood and his Blackwood Quartet.  Billy Roy Mitchum, from Hubbard, came and performed at the church.  Several other individuals, Buddy Shields and the Banjo Buddies, Mary Thomas and Sharon Barton would bring their group and sing during the service along with DL and Clara Williams. 

They would bring along their washtub bass player which was neat to watch.  We also had a gentleman who join the group for a long time who played the bones.  Another site to see.  The Holy Roller trucker would stop by when he was in the area.  You always knew you were in for a treat when you saw his 18-wheeler parked across the street.

Many different individuals, to many to name, have graced the congregation with their music and have lifted their voices to the heavens in praise.

The Abbott Methodist Church Orchestra has gone by many names over the years, but we are grateful for their presence, and we thank them for bringing the gospel to us in music. 

Bass Fiddle – Pastor Jimmy Pressly

Guitar – Garby Darby

Guitar – Gary Don Morris

Vocalists – Jo Mauppin

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Pastor Stephen