The Banquet that was held on Saturday, May 10, 2003 can only be described as “awesome.”  The Keynote Speaker, Elder Barry S. Mitchell[1], of Bibleway Northeast Temple, gave the audience a trip down memory lane regarding South Carolina’s contribution to gospel music and he certainly had a word from the Lord.  Praises, upon praises, upon praises, were sent up to our Lord and Savoir.  The Holy Spirit was certainly present.  The audience was treated to the music of Brothers and Sisters of Willacoochee, Georgia featuring Elder Troy Jackson, and Bill Pinkney and The Gospel Drifters. 

Those supporting this weekend’s events came from around the country, such as Ann Jackson of Brunswick, Georgia, Clarence Conner of The Gospel Incredibles of Atlanta, Georgia, Carolyn Roberts from New York, Minister and Mrs. Wayne Dandridge from Ohio, Minister George Stewart and Dr. Jackie Stewart from Alabama, and Michael McAlister of Chicago.

Of course, everyone was on pins and needles waiting for the awards presentation.  Nero “Mr. Gospel” Tindal received special recognition for being selected by the American Gospel Quartet Convention as one of the eleven cornerstones from across the country in Gospel Music.  Reverend Jesse Gilmore received the O. E. Martin Award, the highest award presented, for being a pioneer in gospel music.  A special award was also presented to Minister and Dr. Stewart for their dedication to the preservation of gospel quartet music. 

And now the winners in the various categories –

·                  Male Group Of The Year – Nate and The Chosen Ones

·                  Female Group Of The Year – Spirit of Columbia

·                  Song Of The Year – “I’m Going To Keep On Loving You”

           by Rev.  Matthew Mickens and The New Highway

           Travelers

·                 Female Song Writer/Arranger Of The Year – Regina

           Gibson

·                 Male Song Writer/Arranger Of The Year – Ronald

          Goodson

·                 CD Of The Year – “Blame It On Me” by Revelation

·                Best Dress Male Group Of The Year - Rev. Matthew 

          Mickens and The New Highway Travelers

·                Best Dress Female Group Of The Year – Spirit of Columbia

·                Most Diligent Group Of The Year – The Anointed Angels

·               Male Promoter of the Year – Nero “Mr. Gospel” Tindal

·              Female Promoter of the Year – Loretta Coleman

·              New Group of the Year – Nate and The Chosen Ones

·             Radio Angel Of The Year – Leslie “The Evening Cruiser –

         Fish” Fisher of WLGO

·             People Helping People –  (2) awardees:  Antioch and The      

         Knight Family

·            Best Performing Male Quartet -  Rev. Matthew Mickens and

        The New Highway Travelers

·           Best Performing Female Quartet – Spirit of Columbia

·          Best Production Organization – Blockbuster Production

The weekend’s events were cosponsored by 1170 AM – WLGO and Soteria Distribution, Inc.  Other major contributors were Garris Insurance, Bill Pinckney and The Gospel Drifters, The Smalls-Goodson Family of Georgetown, and McDonald’s of Lexington. 

Congratulations to all who participated in the 4^th Annual SC Quartet Awards Banquet.