Bro.Glenn Payne Funeral Service
Diahann Click
Southern Gospel Music Message Board located at http://www.saluki.com
Topic: 'Home-Coming' -- In Celebration Of The Life Of Glen Weldon Payne
(1 of 1), Read 5 times Conf: Southern Gospel Music From: Harold
Timmons (har...@memorylanegospel.com) Date: Monday, October 18, 1999
09:52 PM
I consider myself fortunate to have known Glen Payne for many years, and
to have performed on the same stage with him and The Cathedrals. I also
count it a privilege to have attended his funeral service and to share
it with you. I do not claim to be a writer, but here is my accounting of
the facts concerning his funeral.
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"Home-Going" -- In Celebration of the Life of Glen Weldon Payne
Harold Timmons
"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love
him, who have called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28 (NIV) (one of
Glen's favorite scriptures)
Probably some 1,000 fans, singers, musicians, and industry-related folks
were on hand for Glen Payne's funeral service, held at his home church,
First Baptist Church (The People's Church) in Franklin, TN. It was a
beautiful service. For nearly two hours, there was laughter, tears,
excitement, stories of his life, great singing, and praising God, in a
very worshipful atmosphere just as I believe Glen Payne would have
wanted, and at the end, there was an altar call. Eulogies were offered
by Rev. Rick White, from First Baptist Church, and Rev. Rex Humbard and
Rev. Wayne Jones from Ohio.
Glen's body lay in state from 12:00-2:00PM, and during this time, we
were treated to the music of Glen's new solo project playing in the
background. About five minutes before the service began, Lari Goss came
to the piano, and offered beautiful arrangements of two hymns, "I Won't
Have To Cross Jordan Alone" and "In The Sweet By And By."
Prior to the organization of The Cathedral Trio, Glen sang with The
Weatherford Quartet from Akron Ohio during the late '50's and early
'60's. Lily Fern Weatherford has always been one of his favorite
singers, and prior to his death, he requested that she sing one of her
best-known songs at his funeral, "Tell My Friends." It was a beautiful
rendition, accompanied only by Lari Goss at the piano. She was followed
by the Oak Ridge Boys with "Life's Railway to Heaven" acapella. Kirk
Talley sang "Serenaded By Angels," David Ring sang "Victory In Jesus,"
joined in by the "Homecoming Friends" Choir and the audience, followed
by The Gaither Vocal Band with "I Believe In A Hill Called Mt. Calvary."
One of the ministers said, "Glen was one of the best cheer leaders
Gospel Music ever had," as he spoke of Glen always being excited and on
fire during his performances. He lifted our spirits, he gave us
encouragement. He was also spoken of as a "very" family oriented man.
Some sixty "Homecoming Friends" assembled in the choir, which was
comprised of many former Cathedrals' members, and various soloists and
members of many groups. These included Joel Hemphill, James Blackwood,
Les Beasley, The Gaither Vocal Band, Oak Ridge Boys, Lily Fern
Weatherford, Ann Downing, Rex and Judy Nelon, and many others. Bill
Gaither, Howard and Vestal Goodman, Jake Hess, and George Younce were
seated on the platform with mikes. Bill directed the "Homecoming
Friends" in "Oh Come, Angel Band," featuring solo verses by Mark
Trammell, Johnny Minick, and Vestal Goodman, with the audience joining
in on the encore, followed by "What A Meeting," which was also encored.
Roger Bennett sang a new song he had written for Glen, "Heroes Of The
Faith," which was loved by all. The Cathedrals sang "Healing," which
Roger explained that the verses adapted to him, George, and now Glen.
Perhaps one of the greatest happenings at the service was a video
performance of "We Shall See Jesus" sung by the Cathedrals featuring
Glen. We stood as he got into the last verse, and most folks were
worshiping. There had to be few dry eyes after this performance, which
was followed by very long applause.
Near the end of the service, Bill Gaither came to the podium,
accompanied by Kevin Williams on simple guitar, and sang a new song he
had written for Glen, "Lord Send Your Angels to Watch Over Me," ....
"wrap me in your sheltering arms," and the audience learned it and sang
along.
In his closing remarks, Rev. White spoke of making the funeral
arrangements, and that he had one request from Val, his wife, that
being, that there be an altar call, as Glen would have wanted it. Bill
Gaither led the congregation in "Victory In Jesus," and following the
altar call, the audience was dismissed, while the family remained for a
short service.
Glen would have loved this "Home-Going" service. Glen did love this
service -- he was watching, listening, and singing right along with us
with his heavenly choir, joined by those gone on from The Speer Family,
The Blackwood Brothers, The Statesmen, The Chuck Wagon Gang, The
LeFevres, The Goodmans, and many, many others.
c1999 Harold Timmons
Permission is granted to anyone who wishes to use this story on their
site or forward, provided proper authorship/credits are given.
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HT