Cross 4 Crowns concert review - Highland Baptist Church

I do not really like my post title for this because it wasn't really a "concert" it was a musical worship service!

Last night my church, Highland Baptist, hosted the Southern Gospel quartet, Cross 4 Crowns. I had booked them on pretty short notice and had to scramble to advertise to let folks know they were coming. I was worried with that, and the fact it was Mother's Day, that our crowd would be sparse. I shouldn't have worried so much! I didn't get a head count but the place was pretty full. The best part was that the people that were in attendance were apparently hungry for some good Southern gospel music!

Cross 4 Crowns arrived at the church right as scheduled, 2 hours before start time. They set up all of their equipment, did mic checks and warmed up. I always like this time because that is usually how I gauge folks and see them for how they really are when they aren't on the stage. I enjoyed seeing the camaraderie displayed between the group members. They are a close knit bunch of guys that like to cut up. I've been around some groups where you can tell one person feels like they have to be in charge and everyone else has to fear and tremble in their presence, not Cross 4 Crowns. I saw everyone in the group joking around and having a good time during setup, and right in the middle of it was the group owner/baritone, Allen Leath.

As the church began filling up, I could sense the excitement in the air. Folks were having fellowship and enjoying themselves right up to the start of the worship service. I opened up with 3-verses of "Power in the Blood" and folks were already feeling the Spirit. After a few announcements, fellowship, and altar prayer, our pastor invited the group to come up and start singing. Cross 4 Crowns immediately belted out 3 songs before ever saying a word. I knew we were in for a good service as people were lifting up their hands and shouting and hollering "Amen!"

After the first 3 songs, Allen Leath, paused long enough to welcome everyone and introduce the guys. As I mentioned before, this was the Knoxville debut for C4C's new tenor, Marcus Faulknor. Allen mentioned the group's past issues with keeping a tenor singer and said that they had always prayed for "a tenor singer." But, he said this time they prayed for "THE tenor singer," and that's exactly what God gave them. Marcus fits in perfectly with the group and he is a delight to be around and listen to. I hope he is with Cross 4 Crowns for many years to come. We were also treated to a special appearance by his father, Ray Faulknor, last night! Get this... his father is a bass that sang with the Trail Blazer Qt. for many years. Allen asked him to come to the stage to sing, "Have a Little Talk with Jesus." He did a fantastic job, in fact, his voice reminded me a lot of my very favorite bass singer, Ray Dean Reese.

Being a bass singer myself, I pay a lot of attention to that vocalists part. Justin Terry is outstanding. At just 25-years old, he is one of the best I have ever heard. He said that he had been struggling with some sinus issues (yeah, who hasn't!) this past week. I know how hard that is on bass singers. I suffer from it constantly. But, he did a fantastic job of rattling the sub woofers last night! Everything he sang was great but my very favorite was "Under Control." I used to love to hear Tim Riley sing that song with Gold City and I think Justin did just as good of a job on it.

Davis McCammon Jr. was superb, as usual, holding down the lead part. His range is remarkable and he has a very powerful voice. His part on "I Believe In A Hill Called Mount Calvary" ran glory bumps down my arms. He is also a hard worker, as he very nearly tore down the entire set by himself last night after the fellowship supper.

We were treated to another very special guest last night, Andy Stringfield, was in the congregation. You probably recognize that name as being the current pianist for the Kingdom Heirs. Andy used to play for Cross 4 Crowns a few years ago. He is a very talented pianist and a terrific baritone singer. Not only did he play several songs with the group and a few solos, he also got on stage and sang the baritone part on "Now I'm On My Way to Heaven." My kids were especially fond of Andy and they begged to have their picture taken with him last night. He was very gracious to comply.

Cross 4 Crowns sang for a good solid hour, only pausing briefly for a break and to give out carnations to all of the mother's in the congregation. It was a very nice added touch to the whole evening. After the concert we adjourned to the fellowship building for a great time of food and fellowship. A special thanks to my wife and daughter who missed the concert in order to prepare for the fellowship. We had tons of food and everything was homemade and delicious.

I heard from several church members last night who told me that Cross 4 Crowns was the best group we have ever had come out to our church and sing. I know I sure enjoyed it and felt both uplifted and blessed after it was all over with. If you ever have a chance to host Cross 4 Crowns at your church, be prepared for a wonderful time in the Lord! These guys know how to deliver the message of Jesus Christ through pure Southern Gospel quartet music.