Massey Hill Baptist Church presents the 33rd Annual Gospel Singing Celebration Saturday, October 3 at 6 p.m.
“I started singing when I was five years old, and I have been involved with quartet music,” said Larry Chason, organizer of the event. “I have been doing solo work for 33 years in North Carolina, South Carolina and Virginia.”
Chason’s humble beginnings began with him singing alongside his mother and sister at his home church, Pittman Grove Baptist Church, in the Rockfish Community of Hoke County.
“I sang with several quartets and back in 1989, I started doing solo work and the Lord has blessed me traveling by myself,” said Chason. “We have been able to sing with a lot of bigger groups, I do a lot of promoting of regional groups, and I am excited to be able to help the groups when they call me.”
He added, “I sing the old-style southern gospel music.”
The gospel celebration highlights performances by Gabriel’s Call from Durham, North Carolina, Jennifer Rhone from Balm In Gilead Family Counseling Ministries and Chason. Gabriel’s Call is a talented trio featuring Patsy Sanders, Bruce Wimberley and Tim Davis.
“There’s nothing like the old-style southern gospel music,” said Chason. “That’s what I try to bring to churches when I go and sing a lot of the hymns.”
When asked to name his favorite gospel song, he answered without hesitation.
“My favorite gospel song is “The Lighthouse” and it was written in 1970 by Ronny Hinson. I will never forget it,” said Chason. “It was the first song that I sang on the piano with my mother, and it has always played a special part in my life.”
He stated, “’Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven’” (Matthew 5:16) is my testimony. Yes, I make mistakes, but I want people to know that the light of Jesus is real.”
Chason’s heart and desire, wherever the Lord leads him, is to share the gift that God has blessed him with and use it for His glory. His prayer is that through every song, someone’s heart will be touched, a life will be encouraged, and a soul will be drawn closer to the Lord.
“We are at the end of time, and everybody needs to have that assurance that they know the Lord,” said Chason. “There is something about music that calms the storm and soothes the soul.”
He added, “I don’t call it a concert; I call it a worship service.”
September 19, 2025, was the day that changed everything; Chason lost his beloved wife.
“The Lord called her home, and one of her main wishes was that I would continue to use the gift that God has so graciously given to me,” said Chason. “She wanted me to go sing, spread the gospel, and I’m doing it now more than ever.”
For Chason, it has been an incredible journey of faith, ministry, and music. “We have been privileged to record 8 CDs and we are working on our ninth CD now,” said Chason. “My best friend, Lucy Hemmingway, and I co-wrote a song that will be on my brand-new project entitled ‘God’s Got It,’ and it will be released the first of the year.”
Chason added, “Those were the last words that my wife whispered to me before the Lord called her home: God’s got it.”
The 2018 Long Leaf Pine recipient is expecting a powerful turnout and hopes the community will rally behind his efforts.
“We would love to have a generous love offering to help take care of the expenses of the groups and the advertising,” said Chason. “I give God all the praise and glory, so come join us for an evening of worshipping and praising the Lord.”
For more information, call 910-818-9769 or email chasonlighthousemusic@yahoo.com.