Suffolk News-Herald

Frankie Davis, a gospel singer from Paris, France, is back in town and coordinating a gospel program that includes over eight groups and singers. The event will be held at 5 p.m. Jan. 18 in New Hope Baptist Church at 4260 Pughsville Road.

Although no admission will be charged, offerings will be accepted and this money will benefit the Russell-Roberts Scholarship Fund. Founded in October 1996, scholarships benefit college students who are church members.

The following groups and singers will be featured along with Davis: The Gospel Holland’Aires of Suffolk; Voices of Portsmouth; Antoinette Hayes of Chesapeake; The Kingston Jubilees of Virginia Beach; The New Hope Baptist Church Praise Dancers; and The Gospel Disciples of Portsmouth.

When he was in the United States, Davis sang with the Soul Stirrers from 1986 to 1995. In May 2003, he recorded a new CD called &uot;Glory-Bound Train.&uot; This album includes 12 songs that he said he did Soul Stirrer style.

&uot;Out of those 12 songs include two songs that I wrote myself called, ‘Walk Along With Me’ and ‘Hey Brother.’&uot;

Davis is a native of Chuckatuck and has been living in Paris for eight years. However, he comes back to the area every two to three months to give concerts at small churches in order to help raise money for their individual causes.

&uot;God has been gracious to me and I want to pass these blessings to other churches that may not have the funds to pay for gospel group appearances,&uot; he said.

He has been singing with a group called The Golden Gate since 1995. This group has four singers including Davis and three musicians. In August they traveled to Africa for a week and sang for the president of Benin and in October they performed in Rome, Italy.

The church’s Board of Christian Education is sponsoring the event. The Rev. William Russell is the host pastor.

For details, contact Davis at 420-4368 or call 488-5512.