The Agape Force Un-Choir album was recorded by Winkie Pratney in the sanctuary of an Assembly of God Church in Fresno, California. The pastor's name was Mohrmon and he was a great friend of the ministry, often teaching us during the week (we would come to the church for those sessions), even before the first official discipleship schools were formed. Those early, early days were a mix of ministry, study and work (chores). Not extremely structured. More impromptu, depending on the opportunities that presented themselves on a daily basis. I think the cover art (Paul Annan) is reflective, not only of the time (early 70's), but of the more fluid, organic, flexible nature of the ministry at that time. My recollections of the recording session for this album were that everyone in the ministry (with very few exceptions) participated. We gathered in the choir loft and Winkie set up a reel to reel recorder down in front at the mouth of the isle between the two rows of pews. I'm trying to remember more details about the sessions and the time leading up to them. Our custom was to have a prayer meeting before doing anything like this, but I don't have specific memories of that day, except my embarrassment over being singled out again and again because I was too loud. The following pages are mp3 files of the songs on the album. Pay whatever you like or nothing at all. What you do give is a donation to help us do more with the site. Enjoy.
The Agape Force Un-Choir album was recorded by Winkie Pratney in the sanctuary of an Assembly of God Church in Fresno, California. The pastor's name was Mohrmon and he was a great friend of the ministry, often teaching us during the week (we would come to the church for those sessions), even before the first official discipleship schools were formed. Those early, early days were a mix of ministry, study and work (chores). Not extremely structured. More impromptu, depending on the opportunities that presented themselves on a daily basis. I think the cover art (Paul Annan) is reflective, not only of the time (early 70's), but of the more fluid, organic, flexible nature of the ministry at that time. My recollections of the recording session for this album were that everyone in the ministry (with very few exceptions) participated. We gathered in the choir loft and Winkie set up a reel to reel recorder down in front at the mouth of the isle between the two rows of pews. I'm trying to remember more details about the sessions and the time leading up to them. Our custom was to have a prayer meeting before doing anything like this, but I don't have specific memories of that day, except my embarrassment over being singled out again and again because I was too loud. The following pages are mp3 files of the songs on the album. Enjoy.
During the time of what we call the "Reedley Revival" some Agape Force kids were invited to come and share what they were doing at a Full Gospel Business Men's dinner. FGBM was a movement during that time perhaps similar to what we might think of as Promise Keepers today.
That night those kids met another visitor to that FGBM function. Barry McGuire. He was a hum dinger folk singer who had been with the New Christy Minstrels. He'd also been very involved in the LA music scene and had a hit protest song, "Eve of Destruction".
Barry was at that meeting because he was on a spiritual quest which had brought him home to Reedley and a visit to his uncle. That night, meeting the kids of Agape Force pushed him over that final edge and into the arms of the Father.
Soon he was one of our number, but in embracing Jesus he had laid down his guitar. The only song he sang for many months was "Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus".
As time went by he started writing and singing again. And "He's Coming Back" was a powerful song both in churches and on the streets at that time.
Our dear brother Barry. We loved him then. We love him now and always.
