2023 Honorees

October 3 2023

2023 Bishop John H Heath Music of Excellence Award Recipient Gary Blaylock

Gary Blaylock

History of the Western North Carolina Chapter of the Gospel Music Workshop of America, Inc.

The Gospel Music Workshop of America was founded and established by the Reverend James Cleveland in 1967. This organization’s objective is to perpetuate, promote and advance the Christian Ideal through the medium of music by joining together gospel choirs, choruses, singers, musicians, and songwriters throughout the US in a Voluntary Association for education, cooperation, promotion, and the communication of ideas for the genre of gospel music.

The Gospel Music workshop is comprised of local chapters across the United States and abroad. The Western North Carolina Chapter was established in the year 2000 when the first chapter representative was Bishop Sherwood Davis Sr. In 2004, the chairman of the board of Directors, Bishop Albert L. Jamison, Sr. appointed Rev. James “Jimmy” Hayes as the new chapter Representative. Rev. Jimmy Hayes led the chapter alongside his brother Bishop Rickey Dale Hayes as his assistant chapter representative up until his death in May 2012. Bishop Rickey Hayes became the Chapter representative in 2013 and appointed Gary Blaylock and Dean Carlton as his assistant chapter representatives. Bishop Rickey Hayes was instrumental in the growth of the Western North Carolina Chapter of GMWA, implementing membership drives, the annual James O. Hayes Gospel Fest, and the chapter’s Living Legends Gospel Awards. Bishop Hayes began attending the Gospel Music Workshop in 1985 under the leadership of the late Rev. James Cleveland and was a long-time member of the Men of Promise Choir as well as the men’s praise team and section leader.

Gary Blaylock was named interim chapter representative by the GMWA board of directors upon the death of Bishop Rickey Hayes in May 2021. Gary was officially installed as chapter representative during the 55^th Annual GMWA Convention in Atalanta, GA in July 2022. During Gary’s tenure as chapter representative, he has established a board of directors for the chapter, established the Bishop Rickey Hayes Mass Choir with their inaugural concert being held on July 22, 2022, at Ebenezer Baptist Church in Charlotte NC. The choir was led by Christopher L. Ervin, Musical Director, and Dr. Ron Bigelow, assistant Musical Director with much success and over 50 members participating. The Bishop Rickey Hayes made their debut on the main stage at the 55^th Annual Convention in Atlanta, GA. This performance was overwhelmingly received by the delegates and other attendees. To date the performance has been viewed more than 23 thousand times on YouTube.

The Western NC Chapter successfully hosted the 2^nd GMWA Oh, Give Thanks concert in November 2022 along with the other four chapters in North Carolina. The Bishop Rickey Hayes Mass Choir was consecrated in a service held on April 22, 2023, in Statesville NC with Host Pastor, Apostle Carl Lykes and guest preacher Pastor Johnny Brown at Christ Cathedral of Deliverance. The Bishop Rickey Hayes Mass Choir celebrated their 1^st anniversary with a concert at Tabernacle Baptist Church in Gastonia NC with national recording artist Pastor Benita Washington. The Bishop Hayes Mass Choir made their second appearance at the 56^th Annual convention held in Greensboro NC by opening the nightly musicals beginning that Monday July 10, 2023. Gary Blaylock also led the North Carolina GMWA Coalition as the chairperson to host the 56^th Annual Convention in Greensboro, NC where the attendance reached a peak of over 4000 attendees following the

Covid-19 pandemic.

Our current assistant chapter representatives are Elder Jeremy Littlejohn and Dean Carlton, Financial Secretary/Treasurer, Dionn Owen, Praise and Worship Leader Angelena Crank, Chapter Chaplin, Bishop Ricky Valines. Musical directors Christopher L. Ervin and Dr. Ron Bigelow. Our executive board members are also Pastor Robin Hayes, Bishop Freddie Marshall, Thyssen Brawley, Julia Postell, Pastor Michael Smith, William Brown, Pastor Edward R Jackson, Minister Darrell Izard, Wendy Vannoy and Sherrill Lash.

October 3 2023

2023 Doris C Harbor Pioneer Award Recipient Elder Cynthia Nash

Elder Cynthia Nash

Cynthia is a Psalmist in her own right. Singing since the age of 3, she has always had a desire to create happiness and healing through song.

Singing on the church choir at an early age under the guidance of her mother, Cynthia began to use her gift in the church. With 10 siblings they would all get together around the table and sing in harmony as mom prepared a meal. And out of this a group was formed and was affectionately called The New Day Ensemble, which included her mother and her grandmother. Since in church, she has had the opportunity to lead Praise and Worship and is also a part of the Mass Choir.

She has had the opportunity to be involved in her earlier years in work shops under the leadership of Professor David Allen. Had the privilege also to background great artist including, Byran Cage, Judith McCallister, Beverly Crawford, Pastor John P. Kee, James Moore and others. She even had the privilege to be in the choir to background the late Rev. James Cleveland.

Cynthia was called to Minister the word of God in 1987 and under the guidance of the late Bishop Harold I. Williams she was ordained an Elder of Mt. Calvary Holy Churches of America, in 1991.

Cynthia is a Founding member of Sister Circle International, where she has been honored as the International Mother. She Is a member of C3 Church under the leadership of Pastors Micheal and Leah McNair.

At present she is also Praise and Worship Leader at Maranatha Church under the Leadership of Pastor Harvey Chip Rice.

She is married to Melvin L Nash and is the mother of 3 daughters, 6 grand-children and 9 great-grands.

She is a Nurse by profession and specializes in Geriatric Nursing, working with the aging and those with dementia. She graduated from Winston-Salem State University with a BA in Gerontology in 2014

Cynthia is also recently Certified as a Christian Counselor from Grace Biblical Institute and Seminary, where she will also be receiving a Master’s degree in January 2024 in Christian Counseling.

Her first work is to preach the word of God and her gift of singing is her passion. She thanks God every day for the hope that is seen in the faces of those that witnesses her singing, teaching and preaching and for the anointing that He has entrusted in her.

Through her singing, Cynthia has learned how to wait patiently on the Lord and be of good courage, for it is He only that can and will strengthen her. “GOD’S WORD IS MY GREATEST ENCOURAGER”.

October 3 2023

2023 Humanitarian Award Recipient Pastor Anthony Q Knotts

Pastor Anthony Q Knotts

Known by many as the “Marketplace Pastor”, Anthony Q. Knotts embodies a distinctive skill set that has allowed him to merge ministry and marketplace to holistically impact nations.

He is the visionary, founder, and Senior Pastor of the M.O.R.E church in Greensboro, NC where he inspires and encourages people from all walks of life, both locally and globally, to BE, DO, and HAVE MORE in life, ministry, and the marketplace.

He is driven by leaving a lasting legacy through financial literacy and leadership. Recently celebrating 30 years of ministry, he has demonstrated that he is a true leader of leaders who believes that our work and our worship should not be separated but rather intertwined for God’s glory.

A true example of entrepreneurship, he is also the owner and President of Seafood Destiny Group, LLC with one of the top seafood restaurants in the Triad and an event center located in Greensboro, North Carolina.

He is a five time author of books entitled “You can be M.O.R.E”, “More Entrepreneurs”, ”M.O.R.E. About your Score”, “Coming Clean” and “Water Walkers Workbook”.

He is proudly married to Byrdzetta Knotts and the father to three remarkable children, Teland, Jalen ,and Destiny.

October 3 2023

2023 Trailblazer Award Recipient Apostle Timothy L. Warren

Chief Apostle Timothy L Warren

As a servant called to serve in this season, Timothy L. Warren is one of the kingdom’s best kept secrets. God called him into ministry to impact, rebuild, and rebirth those that have been overlooked and or left behind. This dynamic ministry servant has a passion to encourage Pastors and Leaders to reach their full potential.

Gifted with years of experience, he served as Vice Moderator and Director of Evangelism General Baptist State, Overseer Full Gospel Baptist Fellowship, Executive Secretary and 3rd Presider World Harvest United Churches, and Founder and Visionary of Covenant Global Consortium where he serves as Chief Officer.

He has prepared himself in ministry by receiving his Doctorate in Philosophy and Religion from Grace Hill Bible College High Point, NC.

He is the Visionary and Founder of The Victory Center, a ministry that goes beyond the walls and serves the community in this present age. As the Pastor of a ministry that aims to lead and cover thousands with new members virtually and in person, Apostle Warren reaches into the community of Thomasville and surrounding areas giving back through adopting neighborhoods, and donating school supplies, food, clothing, and household items to those in need. The Victory Center, a place of Real people and Real Church, is going and growing as they call the lost back into the kingdom, back into the house, and back into position under the Godly leadership of Apostle Timothy L. Warren.

As he leads, by his side stands the love of his life, Lady Joey Johnson Warren. They are blessed with one son, Savon, who is a graduate of UNCG. Apostle and Lady Warren are faithfully serving the kingdom of God together.

October 3 2023

2023 Living Legend Award Recipient Apostle Alice totten

Apostle Alice J. Totten

Apostle Alice J. Totten was born in Caswell County, North Carolina, to Mr. & Mrs. William & Monnie Johnson, Sr. She was raised in a Christian home and was always naturally eager to learn about God. She was a faithful church member, usher, and choir member in the Baptist church. At the young age of nine years old, she recognized the call that God had placed on her life. She persistently told her mother, “I’ve got to be baptized because I have to preach.” This revelation occurred to her during a time when women preachers were not accepted in the South. Due to immense feelings of rejection, she left the church altogether in 1977.

In 1980, she moved to Burlington, NC. After settling in the projects, she began a children’s group with twenty-five children composed of her two daughters and children in the community, aptly called “God’s Project.” The children’s ages ranged from eleven to fourteen. While teaching the youth, many questions came to mind concerning the omniscience, character, and sovereignty of Jesus the Christ. By March of the following year, she met Elder David Dupree through a couple from her home church. By this time, she had written two and a half pages of biblical questions.

She presented the questions to Elder Dupree; he instructed her to turn to the Holy Scriptures, revealing every answer to her questions. Once again, God confirmed to her the call to preach the Gospel. She joined Elder Dupree’s church in Burlington, NC, with the members of God’s Project. In the subsequent years, she was a Sunday school teacher, a bible study teacher, a member of the church’s housekeeping committee, and then an Evangelist. At this time, Elder Dupree had five churches. In November of 1988, she and her family moved to Boston and became a member of his church there.

In 1990, The Lord spoke to Evangelist Totten, saying, “Leave Boston, go to North Carolina and Pastor my church.” Later that same summer, Apostle Dupree prophesied to her, “Thus saith the Lord, go home, pack your clothes, move South, and Pastor my church.” The spoken word confirmed the dreams and visions the Lord had previously given her.

In February of 1991, Evangelist Totten relocated to North Carolina. Through the leading of the Lord, she started a prayer band in April. By the end of May, nine members had joined the prayer band, and people from other churches often joined in. Sister Michelle Johnson suggested that they have a church service and planned it for June 9, 1991. Thus, Apostle Totten began her pastoralship. Apostle Totten has gone through the ranks from Evangelist to Pastor, Pastor to Elder, Elder to Overseer, Overseer to Bishop, and Bishop to Apostle. Apostle Totten was the 1st Administrative Assistant of the Solid Rock True Holiness Churches of the Apostolic Faith and is now the Presiding Prelate of Greater Solid Rock True Holiness Churches of the Apostle’s Faith.

In 2019, Apostle Totten was diagnosed with stage four cancer. During this time, her leader, Chief Apostle Dupree, came to pastor her church while administering spiritual and emotional healing. In July 2020, Apostle Totten rang the bell, signifying the end of her cancer treatment. The Lord fully healed Apostle Totten and strengthened her to life. The Greater Solid Rock’s Ark of Safety Church is yet under the Auspices of Apostle David L. Dupree Jr. D.D.; here, we will remain until Jesus comes again. Amen!

October 3 2023

2023 Lifetime Achievement Award Recipient Rev. Dr. James A. Webster

Bishop Jerome O Dawson Lifetime Achievement Award

Reverend Dr. James A Webster

Rev. Dr. James Arthur Webster, a native of Rockingham County, was born, reared and educated in Madison, North Carolina. Upon graduating from Charles R. Drew High School, he entered the United States Air Force, where he honorably served four years during the Vietnam Conflict and obtained the rank of Staff Sergeant. With his military career behind him, Dr. Webster immediately began to further his education. He enrolled in Jefferson Business College, where he received an Associate Degree in Business Management. This achievement put him on a lifelong quest for higher education in both the Spiritual and professional arena. He worked for the United States Postal Services until his early retirement in 1990 and then he became the first full time Pastor of the Oak Ridge First Baptist Church and served as the longest tenured pastor in the church’s history.

Dr. Webster holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Religion and Philosophy from Shaw University of Divinity School; and is also a Certified Continuing Christian Education Instructor through Shaw Divinity School. Dr. Webster holds a Masters of Divinity Degree, Doctorate of Theology Degree. He was awarded an Honorary Degree of Humane Letters from Bethlehem Bible College in Roanoke, VA. He is currently listed in the National Register in Washington, DC’s 2000 Edition of “Who’s Who” among honored Professionals and Executives. Dr. Webster served on numerous community boards and committees. He served on the Board of Trustees of the Bethlehem Bible College. He was a General Board member of the General Baptist State Convention where he also served as Vice Chairman of the Personnel Committee. (Dr. Webster had been appointed by Vice President At Large at that time, Dr. Leonzo Lynch to be the Vice Chairman of this board). Dr. Webster was a member of the following: the Hampton Ministers Conference, the Lott Carey Foreign Mission Convention, the National Baptist Convention, USA, Inc., the Oak Ridge Ministerial Alliance and the NAACP chapter in Greensboro. Dr. Webster was a Past Moderator of the High Point Educational and Missionary Baptist Association, Inc., and served on the Ordination Council and Executive Board.

God called Dr. Webster into the ministry and in 1975 he was licensed to preach the gospel at his home church Goodwill First Baptist Church under the leadership of his esteemed pastor, Dr. B.H. Bonham. Before entering in the ministry he served as an ordained Deacon at Goodwill Baptist Church. The following year he was ordained by the Rowan Baptist Association. After his ordination he became named the Assistant Pastor there at Goodwill. He also served faithfully for six years as the Pastor of Zion Baptist Church in Mt. Airy, NC. However, in 1984, he was called to pastor the Oak Ridge First Baptist Church, where he faithfully served for the past 39 years. Under his leadership the Oak Ridge First Baptist Church experienced phenomenal growth and was blessed to enter into four major building projects. His favorite line was “To God Be All The Glory”!! He loved Oak Ridge First Baptist Church with his whole heart and was always cited by saying I’ve spent over half my life with these people and if I had to do it all over again, I’d do the same thing. He brought excitement, experience, and awesome execution to the office of pastoral leadership not only locally, state, nationally, and even the world. He was known as the Mission Pastor! He strongly believed that if the church was not about missions then there was no need to exist. He believed in giving to help build God’s kingdom in every area possible. He was honorable, humble, and humorous! To know him was to love him. He loved missions so much so, that Each Child Counts Foundation built a school in Clay Ashland, Liberia West Africa, and has named the Dr. James A. Webster Elementary School Wing in his honor. The School Opened on February 20th, 2018 and Dr. Webster was in attendance. While in Liberia he preached at the Historic Providence Baptist Church, 8:30 AM and 10:30 AM morning worships, which Rev. Lott Carey founded and he’s the name sake of the Foreign Mission Convention that Dr. Webster has supported for many years. He counted that a high honor in his life and gave God the glory! Dr. Webster was married to the love of his life Mrs. Brenda (Dalton) Webster by which lasted 56 years. They had one son, Minister Derrick Webster who served faithfully by his father’s side. A daughter-in love Nicole. His most precious joy was granddaughter Madison Gabriella Webster.

According to Rev. Dr. James Arthur Webster, if he could leave a legacy, it would be that he lived his life with integrity. ²¹Matthew 25:21 His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.