A North minister, who loves bluegrass music and has played with many well-known bluegrass bands over the years, made the decision to let his love of music play second fiddle to his calling to preach the gospel.

Thanks to Pastor Randy Lucas, bluegrass gospel is alive and well at Salem Baptist Church, which is located at 11434 North Road near North.

Lucas has a very rich heritage in bluegrass music dating back to his father, grandfather and uncles, some of whom played with the legendary group, “The Hired Hands.”

Lucas himself has played bluegrass music most of his life, receiving several offers to go on the road as a member of big-time bluegrass bands. He said bluegrass gospel is near and dear to him, his family and friends. Since it is a wonderful form of worship, Lucas says, the church’s congregation decided to keep it alive by holding a Bluegrass Gospel Sing at Salem Baptist every fifth Sunday of the month.

Salem Baptist was packed with bluegrass gospel music lovers on Sunday, Jan. 29. On lead guitar was the Rev. Lucas, joined by his daughter, Bailee, on the bass fiddle.

Duane Davis also played bass guitar and was shadowed by his young son, Alex, who played his mandolin and guitar.

Chris Boutwell was on lead mandolin, and Jerry Benenhaley played lead banjo.

Wayne Wise performed a very inspiring song on piano that he wrote to the glory of God. Most of the band members had written songs and lifted them up in musical worship.

One of many high points of the evening was when Lucas pulled out an old washboard that he called “The Contraption” and played it, using thimbles on his fingers. The Contraption had many traditional musical instruments attached to it such as a cowbell and a horn.

Lucas invites everyone to attend Salem Baptist for a regular service and for the next Fifth Sunday Bluegrass Sing, which will be at 6 p.m. on April 30.

-- T&D Correspondent Billy Robinson can be reached by phone at 803-247-5737.

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