A local gospel quartet is booked solid this year and has purchased a motor home to help cut down on travel expenses for its many shows.

The Master’s Hand Quartet, which now includes renowned Suffolk singer Ray Bennett, was founded in 2005. However, Bennett only joined last year after the group he had been with for 17 years, New Journey Trio, retired.

“Everything worked out,” Bennett said of the switch. “We’ve been booked solid for this year since the middle of April.”

The group has 76 total performances scheduled this year, as well as 19 already on the books for 2014. They typically perform throughout Virginia and North Carolina.

The other members of the quartet are bass singer Wade Carrier and his wife, tenor Davia Carrier, of Smithfield, and baritone Bob Morris of Middlesex County. Bennett sings the lead part.

Much of the group’s repertoire is lifted straight from old hymnals. Bennett’s personal favorites include “How Great Thou Art” and “What a Lovely Name.”

They sometimes sing with musical tracks and sometimes go a cappella. They accept only love offerings for payment and put all the proceeds back into the ministry’s travel expenses, clothing, recording expenses and upkeep on the travel coach.

The group has sung with many of the Bill Gaither groups and other famous gospel groups. They enjoy events like gospel singing conventions, concerts, revivals and fairs.

They also do fundraisers, Bennett said.

“We like to be involved in those to give back to the community,” he said.

If they can find time between all their scheduled concerts, the group hopes to record an album in the next couple months, Bennett said.

Being able to sing is a ministry for the members of the group, Bennett said.

“I ain’t a preacher,” he said. “I can’t get up and preach, but I can pick up a microphone and sing.”

It’s also a source of joy for the members, he said.

“I just enjoy seeing people’s faces light up,” Bennett said. “It’s awesome to be able to sit back and watch them smile when you’re singing and knowing that they’re really enjoying it.”

For more information on the group or to see their schedule, visit www.mastershandquartet.com.