Serving Clovis, Portales and the Surrounding Communities

Calvary Baptist hosts music group

Andy Wall is anticipating an enjoyable evening of Southern Gospel music from a group he has never seen in person.

They’re bound to be good, he said, because a former interim pastor recommended them.

The Texans, a Gospel quartet from Quitman, Texas, will sing in concert at 7 p.m. Wednesday at Calvary Baptist Church, 1101 W. 18th St., in Portales.

There is no admission charge, but a love offering will be taken.

Former interim pastor Bobby Fuller had invited The Texans to perform in previous churches where he has ministered and described the quartet as “one of God’s groups that warms hearts and draws souls to God.”

“He (Fuller) played a short video, and we heard a little of their music on tape,” said Wall, 75, of Portales. “They sounded real well.”

Wall said he has always enjoyed Southern Gospel music.

“I kinda grew up with that kind of music, and every chance I get I try to listen to it,” he said. “I’m looking forward to their concert.”

The Texans originally organized in 1971 at Dallas Christian College as “The Master’s Four,” a full-time traveling quartet.

In 1983, the group relocated to Branson, Mo., to perform in family entertainment shows. It was then the members of the group changed their name to “The Texans.”

In Branson, the quartet performed at the Starlite Theater, Plummer Family Theater, Silver Dollar City’s Echo Hollow, Bob-O-Links, Kirkwood Theater, Memory Lane Theater and Dogwood Theater.

The Texans have received numerous awards and honors during their career.

As The Master’s Four, they held the title, “Texas Gospel Group of the Year,” from 1975-1982.

In addition, they were awarded the Ozark Music Awards distinction “Group of the Year” in 1985-1988 until the awards were discontinued in 1989. They were voted “Entertainers of the Year” for 1987 and 1988.

For the past three years, The Texans have been traveling on the road full-time, singing more than 300 concerts a year.

Members of the group include lead vocalist and emcee Sam Ray of Fort Worth, Texas; tenor Brenda Ray, wife of Sam; baritone Curtis Ray, youngest son of Sam and Brenda; and bass Jamie Jameson of Grand Prairie, Texas.

For information, call Calvary Baptist Church office at 356-4273.