Fall 2018 Steel City Quartet has made their final curtain call Or have they??

Transcription

1 Keystone Quarterly Fall 2018 Steel City Quartet has made their final curtain call Or have they??

2 A Word from the President PSGMA Board Members & Officers EXECUTIVE BOARD President John Lythgoe Vice President Randy Simpson Secretary Duane Nicholson Treasurer Ken Rhodes Ed Cordell Bob Jacobs John McPherson Dave Theis Lynn Petersen Committee Members Historian Lynn Petersen Web Page Dave Theis Editor Dave Theis The PSGMA hopes that you've had an exciting summer! Here we are again in our Fall Issue of The Keystone Quarterly and it feels like we were just here! Time seems to be going by so quickly. It sure does make me think about what I may be overlooking in life and reminds me that I should be making the best of every moment. Now, I want to take a moment to pass along some very sad news. Lee Condran of The Condrans, went home to be with the Lord suddenly over the summer. This talented couple was recently inducted into the PSGMA Hall of Fame. There is an article in this issue. Please keep his family and friends in your prayers. I'd like to take this opportunity to thank all of you who are members of the PSGMA; we appreciate your continued support. If you are reading this and you are not a member, take a look at the back cover and sign up today! Hoping to see you all at our annual PSGMA Hall of Fame Banquet on October 27th! See the ad in this issue. Sincerely, John Lythgoe John Lythgoe, PSGMA President Contact Information & ad Pricing Please send payment to: PSGMA 348 Friendship Village Road Bedford, PA PSGMA website: NOW BOOKING FOR 2019 Come and Enjoy Some Great Southern Gospel Music! For Booking Information, Contact: John Lythgoe (814) AD Prices: $ 15.00/ Business Card $ 25.00/ 1/4 Page $ 50.00/ 1/2 Page $100.00/ Whole Page Magazine AD Checks made payable to: PSGMA Send all other correspondence associated with the magazine via to dtheis@juno.com Become A Member of the PSGMA... details on back cover! Page 2 Keystone Quarterly

3 On The Narrow Road with Uncle Brian Rosenbaum Whew! Summer ministries are closing down. Please let me encourage you to join us in giving GOD praise for all of the things that HE brought us through! Personally, The LORD JESUS CHRIST brought me through another month or two of hospital visits. I have lost track of all the people that GOD put in my path to witness to! You can share GOD'S JOY and LOVE with ALL KINDS of people... Doctors and nurses, visitors and roommates, even kids that come in to see a sick relative! What a JOY! You know, it really helped me to focus on the people around me. I didn't have to focus on me quite so much! "Bear ye one another's burdens and thus fulfill the LAW of CHRIST", is found in Galatians 6:2. In bearing OTHER s burdens, we can get through OUR burdens more easily! What a WONDERFUL SAVIOR we have! HE put all of this in HIS PERFECT PLAN! My aim with THIS issue is to encourage you to join me in striving to be THAT Child of GOD! I need your help as much as you need mine! Therein is a part of the purpose of the PSGMA. Just like what CHURCH should be. So, if you are reading this and you don't go to church, contact me at (717) I would be glad to help you find one. If you sing, find another singer to encourage. Participate in the PSGMA activities, or contact the PSGMA to find out what you can do to help. May the LORD bless you and keep you as you press on towards the mark of GOD'S HIGH CALLING! Become a PSGMA Member TODAY! See back cover for more information! Brothers In Grace Brothers in Grace has ministered throughout the North/Mid-Atlantic region and Midwest, delighting audiences with their unique Southern Gospel Style. Contact Information: (717) or Toll Free (800) Louise Ave. - Lancaster, PA bigquartet@aol.com Visit Us At: Putting Forth The Word of God in Music Keystone Quarterly Page 3

4 The Steel City Quartet has made their final curtain call Or have they? STEEL CITY A BAND OF MEN WHOSE HEARTS GOD HAS TOUCHED (1 Samuel 10:26) The Steel City Quartet is a band of men committed to bringing the message of Good News through their music ministry, by sharing uplifting songs that testify to how God's love can touch hearts and change lives forever. They sing, because they love our Lord and Savior! Their prayer is to see lost souls come to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ, and that their inspirational songs will bring joy, give encouragement, inspire the faithful and touch lives wherever they go. John ("Legs") Lawrenzi - Tenor "Legs" (as he likes to be called), a nickname that has been with him for many years, has been singing the songs of the '50s since his high school days. It was apparent then, as it still is today, that "Legs" Lawrenzi truly loves the songs from that era...and, to this day, he sings them like no other can. As a young man, "Legs" left Pennsylvania in pursuit of a career in the entertainment field. His travels took him to Phoenix, Arizona, a stepping stone then to the Las Vegas circuit; however, temptations of that path took their toll and for a time, "Legs" found himself with no direction for his life. It was in 1972 that "Legs" allowed GOD to enter his heart and he was saved forever. His passion for life became to share the word of Jesus Christ through his voice and to share southern gospel music with others. His love of people and of his GOD shows in the intensity of his concerts. Legs was inducted into the Pennsylvania Southern Gospel Music Association Hall of Fame in Legs is a member of The Church in Sutersville, PA. Page 4 Keystone Quarterly

5 Ron Pry - Lead Ron has been singing since the age of three, and has sung in church youth choirs, school choirs including an acapella choir in high school, the US Navy Blue Jacket Choir, Three Rivers Gospel, "Just Us" (a duet team with his wife Jan), and 26 years with Steel City Quartet. After a 3 year retirement period, he returned to the quartet, after the untimely death of bass singer Glenn Crawford, and when lead singer Tim Cousino left to spend time with his family. Ron had always sung the baritone part, but is now in the lead position. Ron is married to Jan Pry, who also has returned to run the sound equipment, a position which she has held for 29 years. Ron & Jan are members of The McKeesport Alliance Church, where Ron sings in the choir. They also do concerts together and are known as "Just Us". John Horak - Baritone My lips shall greatly rejoice when I sing unto thee, and my soul, which thou hast redeemed. Psalm 71:23 At a very early age, John s love for music was inspired by his father s ability to play any instrument and his mother s love for singing. While in grade school, he began playing a brass instrument, but it wasn t until his early teen years that he developed his singing ability by participating in the high school chorus. During his high school years, he performed as a soloist, participated many times in duet and quartet singing and was chosen, several different years, to participate in County, District and Regional Chorus Festivals. John has been a member of a choir in his church since his teenage years. In addition to doing solo work at church, he has sung with his wife, Judy, his daughter, Pam, and his granddaughter, Kristina. He has also sung at many weddings and special occasions for family and friends. In 2011, John, a third generation member, celebrated fifty years in the Mount Pleasant Volunteer Fireman s Band, playing various lower brass instruments during that time. John married his high school sweetheart, Judy, in They have three married children, John, Pam and Mike and eight loving grandchildren. They are members of the New Stanton Assembly of God, New Stanton, Pennsylvania. Marvin Chellman - Bass Marvin s love of music started by singing around the piano with his mother, brothers and sisters. He broadened his musical ability by playing trombone in his school band. As a youth, he also sang in Sunday School plays, at Vacation Bible School and was a member of the Junior Choir. While in Jr. High School, he was selected to sing bass in the County Chorus and later sang bass in a Barber Shop Quartet. Currently, Marvin is a member of a quartet at his church and a member of the church choir. Marvin married the love of his life, Carol, in April, They have two married children, Eric and Aimee and 2 grandchildren, Olivia and Nicholas. Marvin and Carol are members of the New Stanton Assembly of God, New Stanton, Pennsylvania. Additional Members: Jan Pry, wife of Lead singer Ron Pry, operates the sound equipment. Barb Yurasek, from Johnstown, PA, who takes care of the product table. Judy Horak, wife of Baritone John Horak, who helps with the equipment. Their website is Keystone Quarterly Page 5

6 Steel City Quartet The Beginning (The Original Name Was Called: The Tribunes ) by Joe Chioda The Tribunes began in May of 1968, (50 years ago), with four original members. See the year mentioned under the photos, along with the group member names listed. Each year this original group was singing in nearly one hundred different churches, as their name became very recognizable to many. There were numerous happenings and stories that could be told throughout the years of The Tribunes, much too many to list. I m going to take you through just a few brief memories of mine that will enlighten you of our beginning, and the name change the remaining group members made after a few years, following my departure in Back in 1973 and after five years of traveling and singing throughout the Northeast, The Tribunes sang at a church in Buena Vista, PA. That night, the group mentioned to those in attendance: We are looking for a new tenor singer, because our tenor is soon leaving the group. Following the group singing that night, I met up with a guy from Sutersville, PA, who said he was a singer, and he d like to be considered as the next tenor for the group. As I spoke to and questioned this man that night after the service, I asked him his name. When he said Legs, there were some doubts in my mind, (and I thought to myself), Who is this guy, and was he Original Group, 1968 L to R : Joe Chioda, Larry Allborn and Bud Williams (deceased). Front: Gene Nemes. Page 6 The Tribunes, 1973 Back row: Paul Braham. Middle row: Marty Kaczynski and John "Legs" Lawrenzi. Front row: Gene Nemes and Joe Chioda. really a Christian man with that kind of name? I asked Legs if he could sing, and he replied; Oh yeah, I can sing! You see, Legs recently got saved the year before, and I was really concerned about that! That night after the service, Legs went up to the piano, (accompanied by The Tribunes piano player) and he sang; Peace in the Valley. The group listened intently and saw the excitement and high singing in this man s voice, and they hired him immediately on the spot! And that was the beginning of how Legs became a part and future owner, of The Tribunes. Around 1981, Legs and all the members of The Tribunes decided they needed a name change and that s when they realized that since they were from the steel city town of Pittsburgh, PA, they d call themselves, The Steel City Quartet, and it always has remained that same name. From that moment on and to make a long story short, it was all about the future of the newly named, The Steel City Quartet. It was very obvious that the one who stood out in this group, who all would remember, was John Legs Lawrenzi! There were many members who came and went throughout the years of The Tribunes and The Steel City Quartet, but in my own opinion, Legs will be that one and the most that will always be remembered, much Keystone Quarterly

7 more than any other member! Legs will not only be remembered by his powerful singing, but for his stand with God along with his touching testimony, which he always gave! How well I know that it takes at least one person in any group or organization that will constantly work long hours, day after day; who can see the future of continuing to travel and sing week after week to hundreds, even thousands of people. They sacrifice their time being away from their families, spending time on the telephone during the week, facing the necessary bookwork that was needed by working on future bookings, etc. This is primarily so that the group would continue to go forward year after year in the direction that the Lord will always be leading them. I still speak to Legs a few times a month; he tells me that the group will be calling it quits this year and will be going into retirement. But each time I speak to Legs, he tells me he turned 80 this year and he thinks the Lord is not done with him yet. He feels that he can still see a future in singing, and that when he speaks to past members of the group, they may consider rejoining him again to sing. Who knows, he may reconsider his decision of retirement. Only the Lord knows the answer to that for sure!!! Steel City Trio Reprinted with permission from the February 2015 Singing News Northern Notes column, written by Shelia Heil. Steel City Trio s website states, We are a band of men committed to bringing the message of Good News through our music ministry by sharing uplifting songs that testify to how God s love can touch hearts and change lives forever. It is the calling of this group, based in Sutersville, Pennsylvania, and they ve been fulfilling this calling for many years. Manager and tenor of this group is John Lawrenzi, who says, I am known only by Legs. My wife calls me Legs. My Mother and Dad called me Legs. God calls me Legs. So, perhaps we should call him Legs as well, as we talk further with this most interesting singer. Legs tells us that all his life he had a stuttering problem, even flunking first grade, since his teacher thought he was dumb. He didn t answer questions in class, not because he didn t know, but because a simple you could turn into many yous. But, Legs loved to sing. In 1957, he joined a rock and roll group and sang at the famous Porky Chadwick Hops. Later, he and a friend became Dave and Legs and even did TV work with some big names Marty Robbins, Duane Eddy and Wayne Newton. Returning to Pennsylvania in 1960, he met his wife, Marie, fathered two sons and as he says, became a town drunk. In 1972, a great revival was held and I gave my heart to Jesus. I love Southern Gospel and I love to sing. As far as I am concerned, God took an old drunk and brought me from disgrace to His marvelous grace. Legs joined the Tribunes in 1973, changing the group name in 1980 to Steel City Quartet. In 2010, Legs was inducted into the Pennsylvania Southern Gospel Music Association Hall of Fame, as a result of 41 years of singing, 23 recordings and over 4,000 concerts. Legs recorded his most successful album in 1999 titled, The Fabulous Fifties Gospel. It was an unusual album of the Platters famous hits from the 1950s, sung with Gospel lyrics written by Legs. Today, this album still plays in Australia was a year of change, as the quartet has become Steel City Trio. Bass Glenn Crawford died after singing with the quartet for 20 years and Tim Cousino retired after 26 years of singing. Ron Pry, former baritone for 22 years, rejoined the group after a two-year hiatus and sings the lead and baritone. He shares both of those parts with John Horak. Steel City Trio sings, because we love our Lord and Savior. Our prayer is to see lost souls come to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ, and that our inspirational songs will bring joy, give encouragement, inspire the faithful, and touch lives wherever we go. Steel City Trio may be contacted at Check out their website at Keystone Quarterly Page 7

8 It is with great sadness that we are informing you that a recent (2016) recipient of the PSGMA Hall of Fame award went to heaven this past summer. Lee Condran was born December 5th, 1947, and was in ministry with his dear wife, Cindy. Here is an excerpt of their induction bio: The Lord works in mysterious ways! Lee was raised in Annville and found his salvation in Jesus at the age of 12. His first memory of gospel music was in the mid 60 s at the Farm Show Building in Harrisburg, PA, listening to The Couriers. Cindy grew up in FL, attending a church of the brethren in Sebring. Taking piano lessons since the age of 5, she starting playing for the church choir at the age of 12, and as a young girl, won the annual piano competition several years in a row. Her first gospel music experience: she remembers her parents taking her to the all night sings in Tampa, FL, listening to JD Sumner and The Stamps Quartet. They met, and as they say, the rest is history. In 1971, they played piano together, a duo piano, if you will, for the very first time for a church dedication. That led to many invitations to travel and share their duo piano talents and As I grow older, I find myself reminiscing about the past. Thus, this morning, I awoke early doing just that. Why my thoughts settled on what I am writing, I have no idea. I was born a bit after the depression. My father and mother, by this time, were pastoring churches in Iowa. We moved a few times and many of my memories are blurred at what happened and when. For some reason this morning, my mind focused on a SPECIAL TABLE that was placed on a small back porch just outside our kitchen. During the depression, men and some women who could not find work, hit the road and became known as Hobos. One famous woman was named Hobo Bertha; I understand that she was featured in a movie later on in life. I have read that over 2 million people at one time were using the railroads for their traveling from place to place. Iowa seemed to be a hot spot for these wandering people. One town we lived in seemed to be a favorite stop, and I think my mom was the reason. Evidently these people had a network of passing information and mom was on the list as one who would feed them. That was why we had the SPECIAL TABLE. Not a week went by without some hobo stopping! They did not smell very good, so they were not allowed in the house, but mom always had food for them. It was actually a dangerous time for these unfortunate people. Why? Well, trying to catch a moving rail car or getting off was dangerous enough, but also gangs of bad teenagers would taunt and throw rocks at them in certain areas that caused injury and sometimes death. Page 8 Lee Condran Special Table by Duane Nicholson testimonies throughout other areas of PA. In 1975, they started singing and songwriting together, which led to bigger churches and TV appearances. Lee and Cindy are truly thankful for the blessings they have received through the years, achievements such as from the 1995 International Country Gospel Music Assoc. Artists Of The Year; and the 1999 Country Gospel Music Assoc. Northeast Region Entertainers Of The Year. However, Lee and Cindy count the biggest achievement as seeing over 2,000 decisions made for Christ throughout their many years of ministry. Praise God! Those days are long gone now, but in a small town of Britt, Iowa, they still have a Hobo day that draws thousands for remembrance of a long gone event. As I remember my mom doing this, all of the sudden an old gospel song came to mind. I did not want to wake up my still slumbering wife, so I sang with not a few tears under my pillow, this song: "Jesus has a table spread where the saints of God are fed. He Invites His chosen people; Come and Dine. With his manna He doth feed and supplies our ever need: Oh, tis sweet to sup with Jesus all the time! Refrain: Come and Dine the Master calleth, come and dine, You may feast at Jesus' table ALL THE TIME; He who fed the multitude, turned the water into wine. To the hungry calleth now, Come and Dine. The disciples came to land, Thus obeying Christ's command, for the Master called unto them, Come and Dine. There they found their heart's desire, Bread and Fish upon the fire; Thus HE satisfies the hungry, EVERY TIME. Soon the Lamb will take His bride to be ever at HIS side, All the hosts of heaven will assembled be; Oh, twill be a GLORIOUS sight, All the saints in spotless white; And with JESUS they will feast eternally." That SPECIAL TABLE IS STILL SET for all of us to partake of. His table will satisfy your every need. No matter how many times you come, there is plenty. The bonus is that some some day we will feast with JESUS FOR ETERNITY. God bless you all today. Keystone Quarterly

9 PENNSYLVANIA SOUTHERN GOSPEL MUSIC ASSOCIATION ~ Become an annual or lifetime member! ~ Details on back cover! Keystone Quarterly Page 9

10 Randy Simpson Concert Schedule October 2018 Thursday - Oct 4, 2018 Church of God of Landisville 171 Church Street - Landisville, PA - 10:30 AM Sunday - Oct 7, 2018 Living Water Christian Fellowship 4137 Cedar Creek Grade - Winchester, VA - 11:00 AM & 5:30 PM Saturday - Oct 13, 2018 King's Campground 145 Glenwood Road - Dillsburg, PA - 5:30 PM Sunday - Oct 14, 2018 Liberty Baptist Airport Road - Waynesboro, PA - 11:00 AM Thursday - Oct 18, 2018 Keystone Restaurant Buchanan Trail East - Waynesboro, PA - 5:30 PM Friday - Oct 19, 2018 Sarah Todd Memorial Home 1000 West South Street - Carlisle, PA - 2:00 PM Saturday - Oct 20, 2018 Churchtown Church of God 351 Old Stone House Road - Boiling Springs, PA - 7:00 PM Sunday - Oct 21, 2018 Mt. Zion Lutheran Church 4200 Carlisle Road - Gardners, PA - 2:00 PM Saturday - Oct 27, 2018 Open Door Church 600 Miller Street - Chambersburg, PA - 6:00 PM Sunday - Oct 28, 2018 Waggoners United Methodist 1055 Longs Gap Road - Carlisle, PA - 9:00 AM Sunday - Oct 28, 2018 Goldsboro Church of God 103 West Broadway - Goldsboro, PA - 6:00 PM November 2018 Saturday - Nov 3, 2018 Faith Christian Fellowship 760 Germany Road - East Berlin, PA - 6:00 PM Sunday - Nov 4, 2018 First Baptist of Fort Ashby 58 North Old Mill Drive - Fort Ashby, WV - 11:00 AM Saturday - Nov 10, 2018 Otterbein United Methodist 647 Forge Road - Carlisle, PA - 6:00 PM Sunday - Nov 11, 2018 Franklintown United Brethren 10 North Baltimore Street - Franklintown, PA - 9:30 AM Sunday - Nov 11, 2018 Kennedys Valley Church of God 951 McCabe Road - Landisburg, PA - 6:30 PM Saturday - Nov 17, 2018 Stoverdale United Methodist 800 Middletown Road - Hummelstown, PA - 6:00 PM Friday - Nov 23, 2018 Churchtown Church of God 351 Old Stone House Rd - Boiling Springs, PA - 7:00 PM Friday - Nov 30, 2018 Silver Spring Gardens 66 Ashburg Drive - Mechanicsburg, PA - 7:00 PM December 2018 Saturday - Dec 1, 2018 The Tree House 1090 Franklin Street - Carlisle, PA - 6:00 PM Sunday - Dec 2, 2018 Stanley New Hope Church 5074 Farmview Road - Stanley, VA - 10:30 AM Sunday - Dec 2, 2018 Back Creek Valley Gospel Church 4500 Back Creek Valley Road - Hedgesville, WV - 6:00 PM Saturday - Dec 8, 2018 Newburg 1st Church of God 260 Newburg Road - Newburg, PA - 2:00 PM Sunday - Dec 9, 2018 Delta Church of the Nazarene 6610 Delta Road - Delta, PA - 10:45 AM Saturday - Dec 15, st Baptist of Girdletree 5917 Taylor Landing Road - Girdletree, MD - 6:00 PM Sunday - Dec 16, 2018 Maranatha Baptist 605 Lebanon Road - Dover, DE - 11:00 AM Sunday - Dec 16, 2018 Memorial Baptist 719 Water Street - Port Royal, VA - 5:00 PM January 2019 Sunday - Jan 13, 2019 Bethel Pentecostal Assembly nd Street - Waynesboro, VA - 6:00 PM Saturday - Jan 26, 2019 Churchtown Church of God 351 Old Stone House Road - Boiling Springs, PA - 7:00 PM Sunday - Jan 27, 2019 Sheaffers Valley Church of God 888 Sheaffers Valley Road - Landisburg, PA - 10:30 AM February 2019 Sunday - Feb 10, 2019 Trinity Presbyterian 2001 Rainbow Drive - Clearwater, FL - 7:00 PM Feb SAILabration Cruise Caymen Islands - Cozumel, Mexico March 2019 Saturday - Mar 2, 2019 Churchtown Church of God 351 Old Stone House Road - Boiling Springs, PA - 7:00 PM Saturday - Mar 16, 2019 South Fairview 1st Church of God 1212 Centerville Road - Newville, PA - 6:00 PM Saturday - Mar 23, 2019 Carriage House/Strinestown Fire Co Susquehanna Trail - Manchester, PA - 6:00 PM Friday - Mar 29, 2019 Lairdsville Faith Church 6786 Route Lairdsville, PA - 7:30 PM Saturday - Mar 30, 2019 Tree House 1090 Franklin Street - Carlisle, PA - 6:00 PM April 2019 Sunday - Apr 7, 2019 Hostetter Church of the Brethren 2344 Sand Springs Road - Myersdale, PA - 10:30 AM Sunday - Apr 7, 2019 Neidig Memorial United Methodist 1251 Highland Street - Oberlin, PA - 6:00 PM Saturday - Apr 20, 2019 Churchtown Church of God 351 Old Stone House Road - Boiling Springs, PA - 7:00 PM Friday - Apr 26, 2019 Nite Lite Gospel House 6698 Roosevelt Avenue - Bath, NY - 7:00 PM Saturday - Apr 27, 2019 Haskinville Wesleyan 8727 Haskinsville Road - Cohocton, NY - 6:00 PM Sunday - Apr 28, 2019 Stamford Baptist Church 40 Lake Street - Stamford, NY - 11:00 AM Page 10 Keystone Quarterly

11 Annual Benefit Concert 23rd Annual Gospel Music Festival PROCEEDS WILL BENEFIT BETHESDA MISSION SATURDAY EVENING, NOVEMBER 10TH, 2018 STARTING AT 6:00 PM, at the OTTERBEIN UNITED METHODIST CHURCH (NEW LOCATION) FEATURING: Jordan's Bridge Randy Simpson The Millers TICKET PRICING: GOLD ARTISTS CIRCLE seating (advance sales only) $25.00 (only 64 seats available) Ticket prices: $20.00 GROUPS (10 or more): $18.00 each CHILDREN (12 & under): $6.00 DAY OF CONCERT: $23.00 FOR MORE INFORMATION AND/OR TO ORDER TICKETS BY MAIL: Mail check or money order (with a self-addressed, stamped envelope) payable to: Randy Simpson Ministries, 104 Pearl Drive, Carlisle, PA Phone: (717) OR PURCHASE TICKETS IN PERSON at Randy's concerts Tickets are on sale NOW! Keystone Quarterly Page 11

12 348 Friendship Village Road, Bedford, PA Please Check One: q $ Year q $ Years q $ Lifetime Page 12 Keystone Quarterly