The distant but familiar sound of “Lift Up The Trumpet” greeted a near-capacity sanctuary at 4 p.m. on Sabbath, Oct. 18, 2014. The audience found themselves reliving a 1958 Voice of Prophecy broadcast, complete with the King’s Heralds depicted by the male quartet, His Voice. H.M.S. Richards was portrayed by Steve McPherson. Even the traditional trademark opening was included. Chris Evenson, Nampa Church pastor, played the part of the announcer.
The Candlelight Concert was dedicated to the memory of Wayne Hooper, who was a baritone and director of the King’s Heralds quartet from 1943 to 1961. Hooper also arranged their music and wrote many original songs, including “We Have This Hope.”
His Voice has worked tirelessly to capture the distinctive sound of the original group. The members are Tod Spainhower, first tenor; Kevin Spainhower, second tenor; Harold Dixon, baritone; and Doug Leno, bass. When not singing acappella, the quartet was accompanied by Janelle Dixon on the piano and organ.
Old favorites such as “Pass Me Not,” “Still, Still With Thee” — an H.M.S. Richards’ favorite — and “O Lord of Space,” written and composed by Richards, were included on the program. Other selections like “Don’t You Let Nobody Turn You Round,” “Good News Chariots A Comin’,” “Steal Away” and the memorable “Standing in the Need of Prayer” rounded out the evening.
An extra treat for the quartet and congregation was to have Wayne Hooper’s daughter, Jan Lind, in attendance.
The “broadcast” ended with the eminently familiar words, “Have faith in God, have faith, my friend, in God.”
