Cold Spring First Baptist ready for a big night

By John Herndon, KentuckySings.com

After more than five months — it has seemed like five years! — of almost no gospel concerts by national artists in Kentucky, it looks like things will be picking up drastically over the next few weeks as previously scheduled and rescheduled concerts have filled our calendars.

The Nelons return to Kentucky on Thursday, Sept. 10 at First Baptist Church of Cold Spring. The church has become a popular spot for Southern Gospel artists since reviving its concert series five years ago. Thursday’s concert is the first of three remaining dates on the church’s 2020 concert calendar.

The Nelons were originally scheduled to be at Cold Spring First Baptist in May but COVID-19 concerns and attendance restrictions at the time prompted the rescheduling. 

The Nelons — Jason Clark, his wife Kelly Nelon Clark and daughters Amber Nelon Kistler and Autumn Nelon Clark — bring a distinctive sound that embraces both traditional Southern Gospel and an Americana sound. The concert is free but a love offering will be received.

The Nelons will actually be the church’s second major concert since reopening from the COVID shutdown mandated by the state. Old Paths appeared at the church on July 19. “We had great attendance,” says Janet Watson, the church’s concert coordinator. 

While the First Baptist sanctuary can seat approximately 1,100 people, concert attendance is currently limited to 400 people to allow for social distancing. Other safety precautions will also be practiced. “Masks are recommended but not required,” Watson says. “We recommend you wear a mask until you are safely in your seat. Every other pew has been blocked off and each pew will seat six social distanced.”

Watson says her church has a rich gospel music history, hosting regular concerts until 2005 before resuming the series in 2015. The church is scheduled to host a Gerald Wolfe Hymn Sing on Oct. 23 and The Hoppers on Nov. 5.

Watson is pumped to get back to work with her church’s concerts. “I am so excited to get sort of back to concerts,” she says. “Our church looks at these concerts as a unique service to our community and the concerts have been missed. I am just a Southern Gospel lover who wants to do what I can to allow these wonderful artist to share the love of God with the masses!”

IF YOU GO …

The Nelons will be in concert at Cold Spring First Baptist Church, 4410 Alexandria Pike, Cold Spring, Ky. Doors open at 6 p.m. with the concert scheduled to get underway at 7. The concert is free but a love offering will be received.