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By FRANK LEWIS

PDT Staff Writer

Local churches are preparing for one of the area’s largest events of the year. The Spring Jubilee, presented by Evangelistic Outreach Ministries, will be held the week of May 14-18 at the Scioto County Fairgrounds. Dr. Calvin Ray Evans will serve as the host evangelist for the meeting, which draws large crowds from around the region every year.

“I would say it is one of the most attended events of the year,” Evans said. “I don’t know the exact attendance, and I’m not aware of some of the meetings. But it certainly is the biggest meeting that we’re involved with for sure. I think the reason so many people come out is because there is such cooperation and unity among the churches, with their efforts of doing that. The second reason so many people attend the Jubilee is our radio and television, as well as our Internet evangelistic ministries being based in our area, it is almost like a homecoming meeting, too. That brings in a lot of friends from places where we minister.”

Evans said special singing will be provided by nationally known groups such as the McKameys, Karen Peck & New River, the Primitives, Archie Watkins and Smoky Mountain Reunion and the Camp Meeting Friends. He said there will also be a mass volunteer choir singing nightly under the direction of Mark Baer.

“On Friday night when we have our Camp Meeting Friends, we just sort of mix and match the people we work with all over the country,” Evans said. “It’s a tremendous evening.”

Evans said anyone interested in singing in the local Jubilee choir should know the choir rehearses at 6:30 p.m. in a building next to the building where the services are held.

“On Tuesday evening (May 15) we’ll be recognizing the veterans, and also we’ll have a food drive of non-perishable goods to help our veterans and their families,” Evans said. “The national group that will be with us that night will be Karen Peck & New River. She (Peck) probably does the best job of singing our national anthem that I have ever heard. She’s well known for that and she just makes it special. She has sung the national anthem at the National Quartet Convention and different places. And it will certainly be a special evening that night, honoring veterans.”

Evans said admission is free and services begin at 7 p.m. each day. Services are held indoors rain or shine. More information is available at www.calvinevans.orgt or at 800-767-8713.

Frank Lewis may be reached at 740-353-3101, ext. 232, or at flewis@heartlandpublications.com.