Hiwassee Dam – Music could be heard upon entering Fields of the Wood on Aug. 27, and the crowd in lawn chairs appeared to be enjoying the sunshine.
There were several hours of gospel music planned and everyone was invited to attend. Among those performing were Miss Mollie’s Music Ministry and Faithful Promise Ministries.
Mollie Hull has been singing since she was just 4, and today – at 15 – she is dedicated to her faith.
“I love being invited here to Fields of the Wood,” she said. “It’s nice to sing somewhere locally, usually I’m singing in the Tennessee area.”
Hull’s family came with her, and her mother was very supportive as she stood close by to encourage her daughter as she sang. Hull’s younger brother, Timothy, is just 10 and sings as well. He joined his sister on stage for several songs.
Miss Mollie’s Music Ministry can also be seen singing at Friday Night Art Walk in downtown Murphy from time to time. She produced her first CD a year ago, which includes an original song she wrote. A second CD is due to be released the first of the year that includes three more originals.
Beke Linse was spotted listening to the concert in a lounge chair with a beverage.
“It’s a wonderful opportunity for everyone to hear the gospel,” she said. “We brought our chairs, and we are truly enjoying it.”
Her friend Terri Weeder agreed.
“It’s wonderful to be out here listening to music and being in the sunshine on just a beautiful day,” she said.
The group Faithful Promise Ministries also took the stage. They’re a family of four, minus one who was unable to attend this event.
Tiffany Gray and her husband, Tony – along with their young daughter, Hannah – sang gospel music for anyone who pulled up a chair.
“We don’t think of it as a performance, we consider it to be a time for ministry,” Tiffany Gray said. “It’s an honor to get to come to a place that opens the door to get God’s word out. Places like this are disappearing so it’s an honor to come somewhere that still openly praises Jesus.”
There were tables set up with various merchandise, including CDs for anyone who wanted to take the music home with them.
Fields of the Wood, at 10000 N.C. 294, is a Bible-based theme park best known for a 300-foot-wide mountainside representation of the Ten Commandments. The landscape offers plenty to see, and there’s a gift shop and cafe open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is free, but donations are welcomed.
For details, call Fields of the Wood at 828-494-7855.