The Churchmen

The Churchmen are an established Bluegrass Gospel group from Collinsville, VA. The group was formed in 1989 when they began singing in local churches. Their Southern Gospel style, four part harmony, along with the sound of the bluegrass instrumentation, give them a unique sound that has gained attention all across the country. The group consists of five Christian men, and each one feels that he was personally called by God into this music ministry. The Churchmen have 5 recordings to their credit. Their last three projects are on the "Mountain Home" label of The Horizon Music Group. The Churchmen would love to come to your area and help promote the Gospel in song.
What people are saying.......

"The Churchmen are a fine group of entertainers, whose talents are indeed unique, whether in performance in ensemble or solo. It is always a pleasure to work with them." The Lewis Family

"The Churchmen are a very talented group who play and sing with the kind of harmony that keeps you listening for more. I have known them since they started their group and I highly recommend them to anyone who loves good bluegrass gospel music." Russell Easter, Sr.

"We have had the pleasure of performing with the Churchmen on several occasions, and it is always enjoyable. They have a fine group and are fine people." Doyle Lawson

"The Churchmen are one of the fastest growing, hottest new sounds in Bluegrass Gospel Music today. We have worked with these guys a lot, and they really live what they sing. We highly recommend them to any- one for concerts." Jeff and Sheri Easter

About the Churchmen.......

KEITH CLARK, one of the original Churchmen, sings lead, baritone and low tenor and plays a rock solid acoustic bass. He makes his home in Collinsville, VA.

FREDDY RAKES, another original member, formerly played with the Easter Brothers and now sings lead and high tenor with the Churchmen. Freddy also plays the banjo with the group. He resides in Fork Mountain, VA..

GERALD HARBOUR joined the Churchmen in late 1989 after playing with various groups such as the Lewis Family. He sings lead, baritone and bass, and plays the mandolin or fiddle. He calls Stuart, VA his home.

STEVEN MARTIN plays guitar and comes to the Churchmen from a band called Carolina Drive. Steven lives in Burlington NC and has been playing since he was 7. He sings lead and baritone, writes songs, and enjoys playing Gospel music very much.

The latest addition to the Churchmen is Moneta, Virginia's SHANNON WHEELER. Shannon is one of the most exciting young fiddle players in Bluegrass music today, and is a former Virginia State Champion. He has played with bands such as Second Helping and Fast Forward. Shannon is a great addition to the band and is thrilled to be in Gospel music.

2002 Performance Schedule

Jan. 26, 27 Yee Haw Junction Bluegrass Festival Yee Haw Junction, FL  
Feb. 3 First Christian Church Kernersville, NC 9:00AM
Feb. 3 First Christian Church Kernersville, NC 6:30 PM
Feb. 10 Christian Fellowship Temple Mcclenny, FL 11:00 AM
Feb. 10 First United Methodist Church Eustis, FL 7:00 PM
Mar. 2 Fairview Ruitan Club Galax, VA 7:30 PM
With Doyle Lawson and Quicksilver
Mar. 24 Horsepasture Christian Church Horsepasture, VA 6:00 PM
Apr. 13 Carroll County High School Hillsville, VA 7:00 PM
Apr. 28 Childrey Baptist Church Nathalie, VA 7:00 PM
May. 25 Shanendoah Valley Singing Convention Strawsburg, VA  
Jul. 26 Dominion Valley Gospel Festival Stuart, VA  
Aug. 3 Christian Fellowship Church Glade Hill, VA 11:00 AM
Aug. 11 Psalm 91 Church Lexington, NC 7:00 PM
Aug. 24 Mount Zion Festival Everett, PA  
Sept. 20 Lakewood Camping Resort Myrtle Beach, SC 8:00 PM
Sept. 21 Ocean Lakes Family Campground Myrtle Beach, SC 7:30 PM
Sept. 28 Muddy Creek Music Festival Powatan, VA  
Oct. 5 Fairview Ruitan Club Galax, Va 7:30 PM
With Doyle Lawson and Quicksilver
Oct. 13 Penn Forest Christian Church Roanoke, VA 8:30 AM
Oct. 20 IBMA Fan Fest Louisville, KY  
Oct. 27 Saxapahaw Friends Church Saxapahaw, NC 11:00 AM
Nov. 16 Elkton Gospel Sing Elkton, VA 7:00 PM
With The Deans
Before traveling any great distance, please call to confirm the dates with us.
(276)647-8518

For more information please email us at frakes@hemisphere.neocomm.net

Booking and Information

Keith Clark
172 Ferndale Court
Collinsville, VA 24078
(540) 647-8518
email address: frakes@hemisphere.neocomm.net

Discography

The Drifter


CD/Cassette

Crossroads
MHO7062
©1998

  • The Drifter
    211k ra
  • Lord don't move that mountain
  • Just beyond the other shore
  • Take my hand
  • Almost home
  • Wicked path of sin
  • Lord lead me on home
  • Sailing with the Savior
  • How great thou art
  • Is your Cross too heavy to bear?
  • My Lord's gonna set me free
  • Oh my Father lead thou me

The Tie That Binds

Churchmen

  1. NOWHERE TO RUN 566k.wav
  2. THE TIE THAT BINDS 538k.wav
  3. ONE WAY TICKET
  4. LET HIM LEAD YOU
  5. FOLLOW THESE STEPS
  6. THE OLD CROSSROADS
  7. HEAVEN'S HOMECOMING
  8. THE MAN IN THE MIDDLE
  9. DON'T YOU WANT TO GO
  10. ONE HUNDRED WHITE HORSES

Follow Me

Follow Me

  1. Follow 618k.wav
  2. He must have walked the lowest valley
  3. It is a lonesome road
  4. No back door to heaven
  5. What about me Lord
  6. Just over in the gloryland
  7. The King is on his throne
  8. No hiding place
  9. Who rolled the sone away
  10. Those days

God is Calling

Follow Me

    Side One
  1. God Is Calling
  2. Take Up Thy Cross
  3. Deeper Still
  4. Poor Rich Man
  5. (Instr.) Are You Washed in the Blood
    Side Two
  1. By The Spirit I'm Lifted
  2. Heart That Will Never Break Again
  3. All For The Glory of God
  4. My Rock
  5. Old Rugged Cross

Gospel Tradition

Follow Me

    Side One
  1. Going Up
  2. Little White Church
  3. Rock I'm Leaning On
  4. I'II Live Again
  5. On His Knees
    Side Two
  1. My Ship Will Sail
  2. Every Minute Means A Mile
  3. Steal Away And Pray
  4. Stormy Waters
  5. In The Garden

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