Legacy: Dawson's Gold Collection
Legacy: Dawson's Gold Collection
by Katherine Williams
In the fall of 2024, during my final semester as a Music & Worship BETA Intern, John Woods, Dawson's Music & Worship Pastor, invited me to take on a special project: gathering and compiling information about all the albums our music ministry has recorded over the years. At first, the task felt overwhelming—but I soon found myself immersed in the extraordinary legacy of our church, preserved in these recordings.
Music has a unique way of imprinting memories on our hearts, and these albums are a powerful testament to that truth. As we celebrate the 100th Anniversary of Dawson, we can hear nearly 70 years of our church family lifting their voices and instruments in worship. What an incredible gift!
In cataloging the stories and songs of generations past, I’ve been deeply moved by how God has spoken through the music of Dawson. There were moments during my listening where tears welled up—tears brought on by the beauty, the sincerity, and the Spirit-filled sound of a church worshipping God together. From vinyl records to Spotify releases, these recordings feature voices and instruments of all ages—children’s choirs, student ensembles, adult choirs, and senior adult groups. They carry the echoes of worship leaders’ faithful guidance, choirs’ rich harmonies, and orchestras’ majestic praise. Countless hours of ministry are embedded in these notes and lyrics.
As you explore the information I’ve compiled for each album, I encourage you to reflect on your own memories of music at Dawson. Recall the times when God touched your heart through a lyric, a melody, or a shared moment of worship. This project reminded me that these recordings aren’t just music—they’re milestones of God’s faithfulness.
Dawson Favorites
Dawson Favorites is the earliest recorded album in the church’s archives and was made some time in the 1950s during the tenure of Dawson’s first music minister, Lester Barker.
A collection of anthems common to the church’s early Sunday gatherings, including pieces such as Blessed Redeemer and Tho Your Sins Be as Scarlet, Dawson Favorites features Lester Barker as a tenor soloist and the Sanctuary Choir accompanied by organ.
The Church Choir Sings Your Favorite Anthems
Recorded during Marvin Spry’s time as music minister, The Church Choir Sings Your Favorite Anthems includes classics, such as Battle Hymn of the Republic and Upon This Rock, performed by the Sanctuary Choir and Orchestra, pianist Lynda Little, and organist Dianne Norton.
The Best in College Life
The Best in College Life is an album recorded in 1964 to highlight the vibrant college ministry under the leadership of Edgar Arendall and Marvin Spry. This compilation, narrated by Dr. Arendall and Betty Pitman, features college singers sharing some of their favorite hymns, anthems, and stories about life at Dawson during college.
Mendelssohn’s Hymn of Praise
Mendelssohn’s Hymn of Praise was recorded live in the Sanctuary on Sunday, November 22, 1964. The concert featured organist Arlene Phillips, the Sanctuary Choir, and a ladies chorus. One of the most classical recordings ever made at Dawson, it showcases diverse musical excellence throughout.
Sing Ye To The Lord
Sing Ye To The Lord is a Chapel Choir home concert recorded under director Marvin Spry some time between 1964 and 1968. This album features the Chapel Choir, Chapel Bells, and accompanist Arlene Phillips. Anthems, such as O Sacred Head
Now Wounded and Carol of the Bells, stand out as
beautiful showcases of the Chapel Bells ensemble.
Pass It On
Pass It On is the Chapel Choir’s spring tour home concert of 1972, recorded live in the Sanctuary. This album includes the Chapel Choir, Chapel Ensemble, Chapel Bells, trumpet players David Cummings and Dell Spry, and accompanist Dianne Norton. On the back is a photograph of the tour participants, which depicts a thriving youth choral ministry.
Songs of Faith, Hope, and Love
Songs of Faith, Hope, and Love, which was recorded live in the Sanctuary in the 1970s during Marvin Spry’s tenure at Dawson, includes the Sanctuary Choir with organ and piano accompaniment by Dianne Norton. Soloist Janet Little and pianist Sarah Reeves perform favorite songs like He Touched Me and Fill My Cup, Lord.
Noel We Sing
Recorded live in the Sanctuary under director Marvin Spry between 1976 and 1979, Noel We Sing is a Christmas album featuring the Sanctuary Choir, Chapel Ensemble, organist/pianist Dianne Norton, pianist Lynda Little, oboist Kenda Wiley, and timpanist Cliff Morrison. Anthems, such as Hallelujah from Handel’s Messiah and Noel We Sing, tell the story of our Savior’s birth.
Songs of His Majesty
Songs of His Majesty, recorded in the early years of Bob Hatfield’s 35-year tenure at Dawson, includes favorites, such as The Majesty and Glory of Your Name and The Jesus Gift, performed by the Sanctuary Choir and Orchestra, organist Dianne Norton, and pianist Lynda Little.
Seventy Five
Recorded live in the Sanctuary in 2000 as a celebration of the church’s 75th anniversary, 75 includes musical contributions by the Sanctuary Choir and Orchestra, Connection Praise Team, Dawson Treble Chorus, clarinetist Jon Remley, flautist Rebecca Remley, Dawson Brass Ensemble, Chapel Choir, Chapel Ensemble, Dawson Singers, Chapel Bells, Dawsonaires, and accompanist Dianne Norton.
Praising My Savior All The Day Long
Praising My Savior All The Day Long was recorded live in 2003 by the Dawson Quartet—Michael Clay, Bob Hatfield, Daryl Ussery, and Harry Wootan— accompanied by Lynda Little. This album contains Southern Gospel favorites such as Just A Little Talk With Jesus and Stepping On The Clouds.
Let There Be Peace On Earth
Let There Be Peace On Earth is the Chapel Choir home performance recorded live in the Sanctuary in 2003. This concert features the Chapel Choir, Chapel Ensemble, and Chapel Bells, with accompaniment by Dianne Norton, sharing anthems such as Knowing You and Lord Of My Life.
The Greatest Commandment
The Greatest Commandment is the Chapel Choir home concert recorded live in the Sanctuary in 2005, featuring the Chapel Choir, Chapel Ensemble, and Chapel Bells, all accompanied by Dianne Norton. With anthems such as Hymn to Christ and He Never Failed Me Yet, this album highlights the growing role of contemporary music in the church.
Seasons of Praise
Under the direction of Bob Hatfield, Seasons of Praise was recorded live in the Sanctuary in 2011 and features the Sanctuary Choir and Orchestra, presenting songs such as You Raise Me Up and Listen to the Hammer Ring.
A Night of Worship
A Night of Worship was recorded live at the Lyric Theater on April 10, 2016, as a collaboration between Dawson Family of Faith, Sixth Avenue Baptist Church, Brother Bryan Mission of Birmingham, and composer Rosephanye Powell. This album showcases soloists Tanna Pope, Vickie Stokes, and Rosephanye Powell, accompanied by the combined choirs and orchestras of Dawson and Sixth Avenue churches. Featuring favorite anthems from both congregations along with new works, A Night of Worship exemplifies the diverse musical styles that both music ministries facilitate in their local congregations.
Candlelight at Dawson
Candlelight at Dawson was recorded live at Dawson during the 2018 Candlelight services. This recording displays the broad array of Christmas music presented to the larger Birmingham community each year and features our Sanctuary Choir and Orchestra, Chapel Choir, and Chapel Ensemble, performing classic Candlelight anthems, such as Christ Has Come and That Night.
My Songs + My Voice
My Songs + My Voice was recorded in 2020 during the isolation of the COVID-19 pandemic as a way to continue to reach the Dawson Family of Faith through familiar sacred music. This collection features piano arrangements performed by Dr. Eric Mathis and Dr. Brent Reeves of some of the most beloved songs of the music ministry, including O Love and Let There Be Peace On Earth.
Show the Love Chapel Choir Colorado
Show the Love is the Chapel Choir home concert recorded live in the Dawson Sanctuary after their Summer 2021 mission tour to Colorado. This performance, with piano accompaniment by Brent Reeves, features the Chapel Choir, Chapel Puppets, Chapel Jazz Band, and Chapel Ensemble , with anthems such as New Name Written Down In Glory and I Shall Wear A Crown.
All Nature Sings (A Night of Sacred Music)
Recorded live at the Alabama Theater on September 25, 2022, All Nature Sings is a collaboration between 12 Birmingham-area churches to premier an oratorio composed by Phillip Keveren during the isolation of the COVID-19 pandemic, when Psalm 96 and Romans 1:20 inspired him to set great hymns of faith to new music. This project, featuring soloists Tracy Thornton (soprano) and Kelly Hatley (baritone), a 200-piece choir, and a 40-piece orchestra, allowed the Birmingham church community to share music together again.
He Never Failed Me Yet (Live)
He Never Failed Me Yet, the Chapel Choir’s 2023 home concert, was recorded live in the sanctuary after their international choir tour to Wales. The performance includes the Chapel Choir and Chapel Ensemble accompanied by Dr. Brent Reeves, plus contributions by Chapel Puppets and Chapel Jazz Band. Anthems, such as When I Think About The Lord and Is He Worthy, showcase the choir’s repertoire of reflective and powerful anthems.
Preludes & Meditations (Live)
A collection of pieces the Dawson Sanctuary Orchestra played during church services over the course of Fall 2023 and Spring 2024, Preludes & Meditations (Live) is a mix of exuberant calls to worship and more reflective pieces. This recording is notable for being the first-ever album to exclusively showcase the orchestra under the leadership of Dan Mullis.
Shine Our Lights
Shine Our Lights, written by Kara Young Fincher and John Woods, was recorded and produced by Caleb Fincher as a theme song for KidLife, Dawson’s summer Vacation Bible School. The single was released on April 29, 2024, and features Kara Young Fincher accompanied by a children’s chorus comprised of Dawson Collide Choir participants. Based on the KidLife 2024 theme verse, the bridge of this song is a word-for-word transcription of Matthew 5:16, which teaches us to hide God’s Word in our hearts.
Endless Praise Chapel Choir
Endless Praise is the Chapel Choir home concert recorded live in the Sanctuary in 2024.
This performance features the Chapel Choir, Chapel Puppets, Chapel Jazz Band, and Chapel Ensemble, accompanied by Dr. Brent Reeves. With songs such as Endless Praise and Children Go Where I Send Thee, this album showcases powerful contemporary anthems for meaningful worship.
Tidings of a Gospel True
Released as a single on November 29, 2024, Tidings of a Gospel True was written by John Woods and Kara Young Fincher and was recorded and produced by Caleb Fincher as a congregational hymn to lead Dawson through the season of Advent. Tidings of a Gospel True is the first hymn ever written by Dawson leadership for corporate singing.
Many of these albums can be found on Spotify under Dawson Music & Worship, and I encourage you to take a moment to listen to these wonderful recordings. I hope that our church’s legacy of music ministry has inspired you as much as it has inspired me. There is always room at Dawson for God’s people to worship through music, and we would love for you to join us as our music ministry continues to sing and play each week. For information about how to get involved, please contact John Woods at jwoods@dawsonchurch.org
Katherine Williams serves as our Music & Worship Associate over Special Projects. She was born in Birmingham, dedicated at Dawson, and is currently pursuing a Worship Leadership degree from Samford University. She enjoys trying new instruments, teaching others, and learning new things as much as possible.