NEESES -- Last March, award-winning singer and songwriter Ernie Dawson of Heirline held auditions for a tenor singer for his Southern gospel group. Dawson was hoping to find someone who was experienced, and he prayed for a singer with a heart for ministry.

Dawson's talent search led him to an Orangeburg Christian singer, by way of Mount Beulah Pentecostal Holiness Church in Neeses. The tenor position had not been filled, and prior to a concert at Mount Beulah, Dawson invited the singer, Sandi Templeton, to perform with the group.

Templeton, a fan of Heirline, was already familiar with the group's repertoire, and her voice blended well with those of lead singer Ernie Dawson and baritone Eric Dawson, Ernie's son. Shortly after the impromptu concert, Templeton signed as Heirline's tenor.

"We believe that this joining together has been ordained by God, and we believe great things are in the future," Ernie Dawson said. "Sandi is a great asset spiritually and vocally. We look forward to many years together."

Heirline will perform at 7 p.m. Friday, March 13, at Mount Beulah. A fried pork chop dinner will be offered from 5 to 6:30 p.m. in the church fellowship hall. Cost is $8 per plate. Mount Beulah is at 2610 Ninety Six Road in Neeses.

Templeton says singing professionally is like a dream come true.

"I have a passion for singing and seeing lives changed for Christ," she said. "I feel that I am blessed with a God-given talent, and God deserves the credit, not me."

Sandi and husband Michael tour extensively with Heirline, which is based in Jasper, Tenn. Their four children -- Santanna, Makenna, Brianna and Mikey -- accompany them on nearby road trips and give cameo performances at concerts. Michael, also a singer and musician, joins in and serves as sound technician for the group.

The Templetons say their biggest challenges are keeping up with the family's personal schedules, their church obligations at Cannon Bridge Road Church of God, and the family business, Templeton Sound Systems.

"As I told Ernie when I joined the group, my family always comes first, and I can't ever stop being a mom and a wife," Sandi Templeton said. "When I'm on the road without our children, my heart remains at home. We manage everything with the help of the children's grandparents, and we can't thank them enough for their support."

Templeton is a featured soloist on one of the selections on Heirline's latest CD, "The Reason I Sing." The CD contains songs written by Michael W. Smith and other noted songwriters and includes a tribute penned by Dawson in memory of his mother. Heirline's latest single, "Beneath His Wings," written by Rick Hendrix, is number 29 and climbing on the Singing News Chart.

"When we began choosing songs for the CD, I pulled an old song, 'My God Is Able,'" Templeton said. "Never in my wildest dreams did I think that the Lord was preparing me for some personal battles that would come during the next few months. My faith has been tested, but as usual, God never fails me."

Heirline has been awarded a number of Southern Gospel Music Fan Fair nominations, including Artist of the Year. The group has had two number one hits and several top 10 hits.

Templeton began singing in church when she was 3 years old with encouragement from her parents, Shirley and Raymond Hutto of Neeses. She has won a number of talent competitions but says her singing is not about fame or fortune.

"When I was younger, I only saw the talent in singing. But, now I see the heart and soul of a true God-given ministry that He has blessed me and my family with," Templeton said. "It is an indescribable feeling as I stand on stage every weekend and watch hearts and lives change before my eyes."

For more information, visit www.heirline.com.

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