Staff Report
Mason County Extra Edition
POINT PLEASANT, W.Va. — Along the banks of the Ohio River, community members from across the tri-state area will once again gather for an evening of faith, fellowship and Southern Gospel music during the Fifth Annual Praise Along the River on Sunday, June 28, at Riverfront Park in Point Pleasant.
Celebrating faith along the Ohio River
The free outdoor event begins at 6 p.m. and will feature Southern Gospel music, fellowship, inspirational messages, prayer, food trucks, and prize giveaways sponsored by local businesses.
Featured musical group for this year’s event is The Guardians, a premier Southern Gospel quartet known nationally for their faith-centered music and ministry.
Evangelist Roger Duncan of Roger Duncan Ministries in Seneca, South Carolina, will serve as the evening’s praise speaker. Duncan will also be singing.
The program includes:
- Welcome and announcements by Brian Billings
- Opening prayer by Pastor Jeff Fetty of Main Street Baptist Church in Point Pleasant
- Closing prayer by Pastor Ronnie Tote of Trinity United Methodist Church in Point Pleasant
In addition to the evening program, organizers announced the first 200 attendees will receive a free mini-Jesus figure or wooden cross keychain while supplies last (limit one per person). Organizers also noted that “Shaved Ice” and “The Wounded Goose” food trucks will be onsite during the event, setting up on 4th Street near the park entrance.
Free bottled water for attendees will be provided by Bellemead United Methodist Church of Point Pleasant.
This year’s installment of Praise Along the River will also include honoring America’s 250th birthday celebration.
Nationally recognized Gospel Quartet featured
According to a representative for The Guardians: “John Darin Rowsey, Pat Barker, Paul Lancaster and Dale Forbes, collectively known as The Guardians are a southern gospel quartet with a unique sound, tight harmony and a passion for sharing the gospel through their music. Occasionally, they are joined on stage by founding member, Dean Hickman, who has been in southern gospel music for over 60 years. With three Dove Award nominations, multiple #1 songs and Fan Awards, the Lord has blessed The Guardians with an incredible journey since their inception. Each member of the Group brings a sincere commitment to glorifying Jesus Christ. Therefore, their mantra remains echoing John the Baptist’s words in John 3:30: ‘He must increase but I must decrease.’”
Evangelist Roger Duncan to speak and sing
Roger Duncan, a Christian Minister who leads Roger Duncan Ministries, speaks and sings at worship events across the country. His speaking engagements this June include stops in Florida, Ohio and North Carolina along with the June 28 stop at Praise Along the River. According to his website, “The mission of our ministry is to preach the gospel, sing God’s praises, encourage the saints, and win the lost.”
Bringing the community together since 2022
“Come enjoy an evening of music, praise and worship,” event chairperson Brian Billings said. “Praise Along the River first began in June 2022 and has continued to grow each year.”
After retiring as mayor of Point Pleasant in 2023, Billings asked Point Pleasant City Council for permission to continue organizing the annual event ahead of Liberty Fest.
“Over the past four years, we’ve seen more people attend from across the tri-county area, coming together in praise and worship of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ,” Billings added. “There’s something special about gathering along the banks of the mighty Ohio River for an open-air evening of faith and fellowship.”
Community support makes ‘Praise’ possible
The event is made possible through support from numerous local businesses and community sponsors, including: City of Point Pleasant, Amherst Madison, APG Polytech, Calming Goat Coffee Co., City National Bank, 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 Carla at Willa’s Bible Book Store.
Organizers say the event was created to bring the community together through faith, music, and encouragement along the Ohio River waterfront.
Billings also said any church wanting to set up a table during the event at Riverfront Park is encouraged to do so.
Admission is free and open to the public.
Contact Brian Billings for more information at 304-675-6633.
Additional committee members are: Shirley Billings, Ida Herdman, Teka McCauley, Beth Sergent, John Bonecutter, Denise Bonecutter.
Information provided by the Praise Along the River Committee.
Mason County Extra Edition 