By Staff Report

Mason County Extra Edition

POINT PLEASANT, W.Va. — The fourth annual Praise Along the River will take place at 7 p.m. Sunday, June 29, at Riverfront Park in Point Pleasant, W.Va. The free gospel music event will feature national recording artist Ivan Parker as the headliner.

“Along with Southern gospel great Ivan Parker, we are honored to share the evening with Sincere Revival from Wheelersburg, Ohio,” said Brian Billings, event chairman. The program includes music, praise, prayer and prize drawings. Thanks to sponsor support, admission remains free.

“As many will remember, our praise event began in July 2022 and has grown steadily since,” said Billings. “Our goal is to honor and praise our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. The program will precede many local Fourth of July celebrations, during which we will also give thanks for the freedoms we enjoy — especially religious freedom.”

Event Lineup

Welcome and announcements: Brian Billings;

Opening prayer: Pastor Ronnie Tote, Trinity United Methodist Church, Point Pleasant;

Performance: Sincere Revival;

Prize drawings;

Guest speaker: Pastor Ray Kane, Grace Methodist Church, Gallipolis, Ohio;

Additional prize drawings;

Headliner performance: Ivan Parker;

Closing prayer: Pastor Brenda Adkins, New Haven First Church of God, New Haven, W.Va.

About Ivan Parker

Ivan Parker is widely regarded as one of gospel music’s greatest soloists. A former lead singer with the Gold City Quartet, Parker gained further national recognition through his work with the Gaither Homecoming series, performing in 70 to 80 concerts annually in addition to his solo appearances. His signature song, “Midnight Cry,” has been performed worldwide. Parker describes being deeply moved the first time he heard it: “I just couldn’t get away from the message. It meant a lot to me.”

His 2003 single “It’s True” reached No. 2 on the Singing News Top 10 chart, and in 2008, “I Choose” topped the chart at No. 1. Parker said the song’s message of choosing life, joy, and faith resonates with audiences worldwide.

He credits Psalm 23 as a guiding scripture in his life. “I believe God does His greatest works in us when we are in the valley,” Parker said. “It is there we are more open to what He has in store.”

What’s New This Year

The first 200 attendees will receive a free wooden key chain cross, while supplies last (one per person).

Community Support

Praise Along the River is made possible by the support of numerous local businesses and organizations, including: Amherst Madison, APG Polytech, Bob’s Market & Greenhouses, Calming Goat Coffee Co., City National Bank, City of Point Pleasant, Coffee Grinder, Crow-Hussell Funeral Home, El Toril Mexican Restaurant, Gino’s Pizza & Spaghetti, Handley Law Office, Ichiban 2 Chinese & Japanese Restaurant, McHappy’s Donuts, Ohio Valley Bank, Peoples Bank, Point Pleasant Moose Lodge #731, Point Pleasant Trading Company, Subway Point Pleasant, Thrasher Group, Tudor’s Biscuit World, Wilcoxen Funeral Home, and Willa’s Bible Book Store.

Free bottled water will be provided by Bellemead United Methodist Church of Point Pleasant.

“We invite all who are willing to come and praise our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ,” Billings said. “It’s a gathering of God’s people along the mighty Ohio River on a Sunday evening. Let’s pack Riverfront Park for an unforgettable night of worship and gospel music.”

Additional committee volunteers include John and Denise Bonecutter, Shirley Billings, Teka McCauley, and Beth Sergent.

For more information, contact Brian Billings at 304-593-5432.

Information for this article provided by the Praise Along the River committee.

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