the 07/22/2008

Decatur's cowboy church offers worship with boots and jeans

Decatur's cowboy church offers worship with boots and jeans

DECATUR - It is come-as-you-are at the cowboy church.

West Decatur Church of God, home of the "cowboy church," will haveyou square dancing to the Word during its Sunday evening worshipservice.

The majority of the congregation might be wearing blue jeans andcowboy boots, but they are simple everyday folks who like footstomping to some good old Southern gospel singing.

For example, the words rang freely through the air as Larry Purdeu,Jessica Davis, Lonnie Connor, Shari Schable and Joe Davies hadchurch members standing on their feet and clapping along to theirversion of Lee Greenwood's "God Bless the USA."

Two weeks ago, the group debuted at the cowboy church, off WycklesRoad and West Main Street, with several gospel songs.

The music and the groups who perform it have been a big draw forthe church since switching over to the country-western service onSunday evenings.

"A few years ago, the music director and I were thinking of ways toreach people who weren't being reached," said the Rev. JamesBaldwin Sr. "Country music was not being tapped into, and this typeof music has helped to bring in new members."

He added, "Many churches just don't have an evening worshipservice."

Baldwin has managed to rope in 20 people who joined the churchwithin the past year, and membership continues to grow.

"We have that laid-back, come-as-you-are type service. Everyone iswelcomed regardless of your past, color or background," he said.

Only a few cowboy churches exist in Illinois, but Decatur is a ripeniche market because of how popular country-western radio stationsare in the area, Baldwin said.

He added that the church still has its regular service at 10:30a.m. every Sunday for those who prefer the more traditional styleof worship.

The original Cowboy Church was started in Nashville, Tenn., by thelate Johnny Cash's sister, Joanne Cash Yates.

A minister, Bud McMasters, from Farmer City brought the cowboychurch concept to the Land of Lincoln. He caught wind of the ideaand had a band play country, gospel and bluegrass at his church. Ithelped keep the doors open after a decline in membership.

Most groups who perform at the cowboy church in Decatur are fromCentral Illinois and sing Southern gospel, bluegrass and old hymns.

Phyllis Proctor has belted out songs every month at the cowboychurch, with hymns such as "Over in Glory Land" and "Steppin' intothe Light."

"The people at the cowboy church are wonderful and seem to enjoythe music," Proctor said. "The church has some faithful members andhas people from outside the church who just come to enjoy themusic."

For Souls Quartet, made up of Curt Carter, lead singer; PaulSchisler, bass; Mike Roach, baritone; and Mary Pat Ferenbacher,tenor, also has performed several times at the cowboy church.

Roach said the group usually sings country gospel songs, as well asa cappella. His favorite old hymn to perform is "Vessel of Mercy."

Another group commonly seen at cowboy church is the GospelMessengers.

"I think every church is different. Some people are moreenthusiastic than others, some are quiet," said the group'smanager, Malvern Poor of Boody. "The West Decatur Church is onethat likes hearing Southern gospel music."

Other members of the Gospel Messengers are Norm Mathias of Decaturand Bill Beals and David Butler of Mount Zion.

Poor said they like singing a lot of old Imperials songs andSouthern gospel besides sharing their testimonies with the church.

Longtime church member Lyle Meador believes cowboy church hasdefinitely attracted a lot more people to West Decatur Church ofGod. He has been going to the church for the past 67 years.

"People like the music, and that is what the Sunday service ismostly made up of. It's my home church, and I will keep going aslong as the gospel is still preached," said Meador, 77.

After all the music and sermon has been preached, Baldwin in hisblue jeans will end the service by telling everyone, "Thanks forcoming. Ya'll come back here!"

Sheila Smith can be reached at sheilasherald-review.com or 421-7963.

Previous Page Subscribe Email Alerts