Bethel AME Church

History of the Male Quartet

The Quartet was formed in 1993 under the pastorate of Rev. Dr. Jeffrey Leath. At that time, soloists provided the music at the 8:00 service. Philip Ward, Kevin Pruden and Maurice Gray, Jr. (all members of the Men's Choir) were among those who served in this capacity. Phil approached the others and proposed that instead of doing solos, the three of them sing together on their scheduled Sundays. They agreed, Sister Jacqueline Roberts agreed and the group was formed.

After a few times singing as a trio, Roy Wilson joined Bethel and the Men's Choir. Maurice invited him to join the new singing group, and the rest is history. By the time Rev. Beaman took over as our pastor, the Quartet was established. Phil's dynamic lead voice, Kevin's mellow tenor/baritone, Roy's powerful first tenor and Maurice's rich bass proved to be a winning combination. The four of them sang mostly capella, starting with hymns and graduating to works by the likes of John P. Kee and Take 6. Phil and Maurice began writing their own songs, which added to the Quartet's repertoire. Lily In The Valley and Jesus Is Love (with piano accompaniment by Maurice Gray, Sr.) were among their best known songs. Pastor Beaman often requested one or both of those songs when the Quartet traveled with him to minister when he preached at other churches.

The Quartet's ministry lasted from 1993 until 1996, when Roy died unexpectedly from a heart attack at the age of 39. After singing at his homegoing service, the surviving members chose not to continue with the ministry.

Late in 2005, Maurice felt led to revive the Quartet. After talking with a few different men, Corbin Whittington, Charles Saunders and Steve Burton (again, all members of the Men's Choir) accepted the challenge. The new Quartet made its debut in 2006 and has hit the ground running. This incarnation of the Quartet is different. The original version had a first tenor, a second tenor, a baritone and a bass. This incarnation features two baritones and two basses, yet still manages to keep the same high musical standards as the original.

The Quartet favors a capella music and older gospel. Tight four-part harmony in the "old school" gospel style is the Quartet's musical focus. Whether it's singing their version of hymns, Negro spirituals or songs by the likes of the Williams Brothers, the Blind Boys of Alabama or John P. Kee, the Quartet's goal is simply to praise God with their mouths. Each song the Quartet sings is rooted in Scripture. Often they will read the verses that pertain to the song they minister before they sing.

Although the name indicates only four men at a time, the group is somewhat flexible. Wayne Pennington sang with the current version of the Quartet its first time out as a fifth member, and there may be other times when there are five or even six men singing.

"Our goal isn't to create a second Men's Choir or to take anything away from what that group does," Maurice said. "Our goal is to add something to the music ministry of this church, and to explore our enjoyment of a musical form that some say is dying out."