Special to the Item

Squire Parsons and the Squire Parsons Trio will be in concert at the Pine Grove Baptist Church Saturday, Oct. 1, 2011 at 7 p.m.

Squire Parsons, a native of West Virginia was raised in a Christian home and was introduced to gospel music by his parents. His father, Squire Parsons Sr., was a choir director in their home church and taught shaped note gospel music.

Squire attended West Virginia Institute of Technology, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in music in 1970. He has served as interim music director, church soloist, elementary school music teacher, high school band director and in 1975 he became the baritone singer for the Kingsmen Quartet. In 1979 Squire went into solo ministry.

Since 1978, Squire Parsons has been nominated by the Singing News’ fans for “Favorite Baritone,” “Favorite Gospel Songwriter” and “Favorite Gospel Singer.” He was named “Favorite Baritone” in 1986 and 1987. In 1986, 1992, 1993, 1994, and 1995 — “Favorite Gospel Songwriter.” In 1988 he was named “Favorite Southern Gospel Male Singer.”

He has also been nominated for the Dove Award for male vocalist and songwriter. In 1990, he was presented the coveted Marvin Norcross Award, given for devotion to family, service to church, involvement in community affairs, and contributions to the gospel music industry.

In addition to being one of America’s best loved soloists, Squire is a prolific songwriter. In 1981, his song, “Sweet Beulah Land” was voted “Favorite Song of the Year” by the Singing News.

Some of the other gospel classics written by Parsons include: “Master of the Sea,” “Oh What a Moment,” “The Broken Rose,” “He Came to Me,” “I Call It Home,” “I Sing Because,” “Hello Mama,” “I’m Not Giving Up,” and “I Go to the Rock.” Many gospel recording artists and groups have recorded at least one of his songs.

In 1999 Squire was honored by his alma mater, West Virginia Institute of Technology with an honorary Doctorate of Humanities.

On October 9, 2008, Squire was inducted into the Southern Gospel Music Association’s Hall of Fame in Pigeon Forge, Tenn.

Mr. Parsons was ordained at his home church, Trinity Baptist, in Asheville, N.C., in 1979. Squire and his wife Linda live in Leicester, N.C. They have four adult children.

Don’t miss this exciting testimony in song.

Pine Grove Baptist Church is located 6 miles north of Picayune off Hwy. 43. There is no admission charge, however, a love offering will be taken. For more information call the church at 601-798-3645 or 601-799-2483 after 5 p.m.