Singing sensation Gregory Lawrence can be found almost anywhere in Western Tidewater belting out the National Anthem and religious songs for any number of events.

He has been singing since he was 6 years old, and all the years of experience have left him with a finely tuned voice that routinely gets drowned out by the applause of appreciative crowds of listeners.

However, the singer is retiring from his ministry at Shiloh Baptist Church in Windsor this weekend in order to focus more on his family and his ministry at his home church, Greater Sweet Beulah Apostolic Church in Suffolk.

“I enjoy what I’m doing,” he said. “But it’s time now for me to have some time for me. There are times I desire to maybe go out of town and visit my family, and now I can’t really do that.”

Lawrence played the organ and directed the choir, in addition to singing at the church, where his father-in-law, James Elam Sr., is pastor. He also still works full-time in corrections at Western Tidewater Regional Jail.

“I prayed about it and thought I was going to do it several years ago, but the Lord didn’t give me the peace that I have now,” Lawrence said. “Even though I’m going to miss them, I’m not going to leave the church.”

This Sunday will be his last in the ministry at Shiloh. Today, a retirement service and celebration will be held at 3 p.m. at the church, 9000 Fire Tower Road in Windsor. Call 652-3304 for more information.