'He's still standing9
Local church honors gospel
singer Bill Pratt and the
Gospel Crusaders
BY TIMOTHY RAMSEY
THE CHRONICLE ?
Winston-Salem's own Bill Pratt and the
Gospel Crusaders received a special honor
on Sunday, Nov. 27. Longtime member
Harold "Sarge" Chadwick also was hon
ored by Life Changing Transformation
Church Ministries.
Alice M. Mitchell, senior pastor of Life
Changing Transformation Church, said she
has seen many legends from the city of
Winston-Salem who have done great work
but never receive the recognition they
properly deserve.
"Sometimes people just want to hear
you say 'thank you' or 'I appreciate you'
and the legend this man has carried
throughout the city is so inspiring," said
Mitchell. "It's not many gospel groups
from the old days still here but he's still
standing."
Mitchell went on to say she was very
pleased for such a large turnout for this
occasion. She said it's good to know that
someone else out there is thinking about
Mr. Pratt besides herself. Pratt and
Mitchell have known one another for well
over 20 years and felt this day was a long
time coming.
The service included a brief history of
Pratt and Chadwick followed by selections
from individuals and the Phillips Chapel
Baptist Church men's chorus. A love offer
ing was taken up and presented to Mr. and
Mrs. Pratt.
? The night was concluded by Pratt and
the Gospel Crusaders, who performed a
few selections and brought the house
down. Pratt was thankful for the service
and says he is honored each and every time
he has the chance to perform for people.
Pratt says he started his band while
working at Parkland High school back in
1970 and it developed from there. He says
the students took up a collection and
helped him purchase a guitar and amplifi
er. He says he is the last living member of
his original group and will perform as long
as he is able.
Submitted photo
St. Mark veterans from left to right are Deacon Ulysses Huffin, Leroy Easter, .
Trustee Tommie Easter and Trustee Robert Fisher.
St. Mark Baptist Church honors veterans
SPECIAL TO THE CHRONICLE
St. Marie Baptist Church, 1100 Manley Street, honored some of the members for
Veterans Day for the services they rendered to our country.
The members of St. Mark said they were very proud to honor these men. The Rev.
Dr. James Fulwood is pastor and teacher.
For more information, contact First Lady Hattie Fulwood at 336-784-0502.
Photo by Timothy Ramsey
Bill Pratt, right, poses with Pastor Alice M. Mitchell following the celebration in
his honor.
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Vgj/ Youth Chorus
Winter Celebration Concert
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Ticket Prices: Adults $15 - Students/Seniors $10
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336-703-0001 ? wsyouthchorus.org fl
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336-703-0001 J
wsyouthchorus.orv/r
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