Story and photos submitted by Sandra F. Beckard, SON Messenger
Columbia, SC – Ten years ago members of Union Chapel Missionary Baptist Church started attending the Annual Gospel Heritage Conferences as delegates. Within these ten years they have be blessed to have one on one conversations with some of the nation’s top Gospel Artists, Ministers of Music, Praise Dance Chorographers, and Pastors.
The Gospel Heritage was started in 1994 by Dr. Teresa Hairston as an avenue to continue the preservation of Gospel Music. This organization is not affiliated with any denominational organization. It is open to the public and encourages diversity. In 2018 Multi Stellar and Dove Award Winning VaShawn Mitchell proceeded Dr. Hairston as President leading the next generation and inspiring who would be the next leader.
This year’s 2020 Leap Summit was held in Columbia, SC and was filled with three days of Praise and Worship starting with a “Sneaker’s Ball” in an effort to support the local community. Each participate was encouraged to dress up and where their sneakers and bring a pair for donations to be given to children and adults in need. The following day’s classes were taught by Minister Earl Bynum, Tanya Baker, Todd Dulaney, Myron Butler, Pastor, AD Davis, All Nations Worship Assembly Huntsville, AL and Pastor John Paul McGee. In the Master’s Class there was a one on one with Donald Lawrence and Erica Campbell. The evening sessions included a powerful message and awesome concerts featuring Kathey Taylor, Jekalyn Carr just to name a few.