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The 8th Annual
Parker Homecoming Celebration was held on March 2 and March 3,
2007 at the Dennis Wicker Civic Center in Sanford, North
Carolina. The saying “you can’t go home again” certainly does
not apply to Ivan Parker and The Harvesters Quartet. They are
warmly welcomed every year in their hometown for a jubilant
celebration. The two day event was filled with the best in
southern gospel music and was an unqualified success. The
artists on the program covered a wide range of old, new and
upbeat contemporary music and there was something for everyone.
This event is without a doubt one of the best in all of Southern
Gospel Music and continues to grow in attendance each year.
Approximately 18 states were represented in the audience and the
fellowship and friendships formed with other Christians is a
blessing in itself. The common bond that the entire crowd shared
renews one’s faith, hope, and life affirmation. Happiness and a
positive spirit are contagious. Proverbs 17:23 says it best “A
joyful heart is good medicine, but a broken spirit dries up the
bones.” Thanks be to God, there was an abundance of happy hearts
during this music extravaganza.
On Friday
night, Ivan Parker, The Greene’s and The Harvesters
performed to a large, enthusiastic crowd. Ivan and Danny Parker
appeared first on stage to welcome everyone and got the evening
off to a celebratory start with their sibling banter and
merriment. These guys know how to show folks a good time! They
engaged the audience with their fun antics and immediately set
the tone for a wonderful evening. They expressed deep
appreciation to all in attendance for their continuing support
and encouragement of Southern Gospel Music. As always, Ivan
offered a sincere heartfelt prayer for God to reign supreme and
guide the artists and allow the Holy Spirit to touch the hearts
of everyone present.
The legendary
Harvesters Quartet began the evening and performed with passion
and enthusiasm. They continue in their tradition of
professionalism, friendliness, authenticity, and a sincere love
for the work they do for the Lord.
They have splendid harmony and impressive melody. The
Harvesters are loved by all and have a tremendous following.
They performed some songs from their latest CD, “Moving
Forward” and this recording is impressive. Two of the songs
were written by their tenor, Steven Wall and they are
magnificent. Steven is a new addition to The Harvesters and
brings a freshness and vitality. He performs with the group as
though he has been doing it for years. He is an asset to The
Harvesters and is loved and respected by the long time group
members. Continue to look for even greater things to occur for
this outstanding group this year!
Also on Friday
night, a very fine group in gospel music, The Greene’s
performed. They were well received by the crowd and sang many
of their most popular songs to an excited, appreciative
audience. They all possess beautiful voices and have flawless
harmony. The humor they interject into their animated program
was a special treat and they presented an excellent series of
songs and testimonies dedicated to our Savior.
Next on stage
was Ivan Parker and of course his popularity does nothing
but increase tremendously. He possesses the sweetest
countenance and makes time for every single person desiring a
word with him. It takes meeting or hearing his music ministry
and testimony only one time, for a person to become an immediate
Ivan Parker follower. He is an individual who loves the Lord
with all of his heart and every action he takes is reflective of
his deep commitment to Christ. He truly” walks the walk of the
talk that he talks” and is a wonderful person and humble servant
of God. He performed many of his standard crowd favorites and
treated the audience to a few of the songs from his latest CD,
titled, “That was Then, This is Now”. This is an
excellent recording!
One of the most
poignant moments of the evening occurred when Ivan spontaneously
left the stage, came into the audience to his adoring precious
Mother and dedicated a song from his new CD to her. Tenderly
holding her hand he sang directly to her, ‘Thank You.”
It is a beautiful song and speaks of going to Heaven and
thanking those who influenced your life and helped you in your
spiritual journey while on earth. It was a tremendous tribute
to his wonderful mother as he thanked her for raising him in a
Christian home and teaching God’s word. And, as frequently
happens, Ivan performed, ‘Midnight Cry” and brought the crows to
its feet with a standing ovation.
Saturday night
began with the group, “ARISE”, which includes baritone
Charlie Parker, his son, Brendon Parker, tenor, lead singer,
Mitchell Dixon and bass singer Leon Page.
They opened the concert with enthusiasm and did an excellent
job.
The Harvesters
and Ivan Parker returned for performances the second night along
with The Florida Boys and the entire Parker Family. The
program began with a presentation by J.J. Moore from Joy
FM radio. He then introduced Ivan and Danny Parker. After a
few moments of interactive chat with the audience---asking where
everyone was from, etc, Ivan opened with a prayer for God’s
continued blessing upon the homecoming celebration. He then
introduced The Harvesters Quartet. They performed with an
intensity and excitement that was a special indication of the
fantastic time they were having. The Harvesters were honored to
have Earl Brewer join them at the piano for a few songs.
Danny Parker,
lead singer and manager of the quartet, presented each
group member a beautifully etched and engraved glass award that
expressed his sincere appreciation for their dedication and
commitment to The Harvesters Quartet mission. That mission is
to deliver God’s message in song with the hope of reaping souls
for His Kingdom. Danny and Sue Parker were also presented an
award for their relentless dedication and efforts in making The
Parker Homecoming Celebration such a success each year. The
awards were donated by Sandy and Steve Miller from
Pennsylvania.
Danny
introduced The Florida Boys and they are truly an excellent
quartet. They performed songs that everyone knew and the
audience sang along with them. It is always a great experience
when the audience feels energized and encouraged to sing along;
it takes the enthusiasm to an even higher level. Danny
commented that it was an honor to have them on The Parker
Homecoming Concert and it was indeed!
After The
Florida Boys completed their first half of the program it was
time to again introduce The Harvesters. The Harvesters once
again sang songs from their latest recording and the crowd
really loved the new songs. The Harvesters sang with an
excitement that only comes through knowing the Lord. Ivan was
introduced next as making history in that he will be the first
soloist to sing on the main stage at the National Quartet
Convention. This is obviously quite a distinctive honor and
Ivan feels very blessed to be chosen. Ivan just did an
outstanding job as always.
The 2nd
half of the program began with The Florida Boys. They completed
their 2nd set and then The Harvesters joined them on
stage. They sang some of the older songs and then during their
2nd song “Jesus Is Coming Soon”, Ivan joined them on
stage.
Another
highlight of the night occurred when Ivan asked The Harvesters
to join him singing that marvelous ‘ole song “What A
Lovely Name” and their rendition was awesome. Steven did a
superb job singing the Vestal part. Vestal and Ivan were
wonderful friends and she was surely smiling down from above!
Danny had the
privilege of introducing from the stage his immediate family and
of course, with great pride, his new Grandson, Triton Luke.
During this time the Parker siblings and Mama Parker came to the
stage. The family sang familiar songs like “Canaan Land”
along with others. Then Mama Parker sang a verse of “Amazing
Grace” and she testified about her times growing up and
attending church. She spoke about how God had blessed her and
the family. There was a sweet spirit in the building that can
only be described as The Holy Spirit. Marcus sang a solo and
did an outstanding job! Danny, Marcus and Ivan then sang an old
song “Blessed Assurance” along with Earl Brewer at the
piano. Kenneth Parker topped it off by singing “Love Grew
Where the Blood Fell” After this, Danny stepped to the
microphone and shared that the Lord had laid it on his heard to
give an invitation to anyone needing a spiritual or physical
touch. The front of the building filled up with folks desiring
prayer. Danny then asked all the siblings to pray with each
person that God would meet their needs. Many needs were met
that evening and we truly had “church” The program ended at
11:45 PM. The culmination of The Parker Homecoming Celebration
was a tremendous singing and worship experience with folks
already talking excitedly about next years’ event!
We would be so
delighted if you would plan on being a part of the spectacular
Ninth Annual Parker Homecoming Celebration to be held the
first Friday and Saturday in March 2008. More information will
be posted on the website,
www.harvestersquartet.com later in the year. If you would
like your name included on the mailing list, please enter the
information on the website or write to: Danny Parker, Manager,
Harvesters Quartet, 2205 Cool Springs Road, Sanford, NC 27330.
Please check the “photo
album” icon on the website to view pictures.
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