Gospel group at annual homecoming event in August
The contemporary gospel group, The Dawson Family of Fredericton, will perform at St. David’s Presbyterian Church in Kirkland during their 150th anniversary and annual homecoming event on Sunday, Aug. 23 at 3 p.m.
The Dawson Family has been performing in New Brunswick for almost 10 years as a popular worship band for drive-in services, joint gigs, conferences and special events, and as backup musicians at the Maritime Gospel Music Association.
The four-member group is made up of Blake, Amy, Judah and Patrick Dawson, who combine their singing and musical talents to bring gospel, rock, and sometimes classical music to their audience.
“We became known for holding revival services in our backyard during the COVID years,” Amy Dawson said. “Our mission is to bring renewal, refreshing and hope to people through the Holy Spirit and through music.”
In 2023, Blake Dawson answered a call as pastor of the Burtts Corner Baptist Church. Amy performs regularly with the Prince Edward Island Symphony Orchestra as the principal bassoonist. Judah is studying at Kingswood University in Sussex with a focus in music and worship leading. Patrick plays video game tunes and worship songs on piano.
The 150th anniversary at St. David’s will open with music by Scottish bagpiper Katie Lafrance of Nackawic, who will perform during the arrival of guests and dignitaries, celebrating the church’s deep roots in the community.
Following the celebration at St. David’s, families, friends and guests are invited to stay for supper at the Kirkland Community Hall around 4 p.m.
St. David’s Presbyterian Church was named a provincial historic site in 2005. It was built by the community of Kirkland in the late 1800s, primarily by Scottish, Irish and English settlers who came to the area as pioneers. The church was established in 1876. The community of Kirkland is named after St. David’s, which was once referred to as the Scottish Kirk.
Located at 1589 Route 540 in Kirkland, St. David’s annual homecoming gathers together friends and visitors from throughout New Brunswick, Ontario and the State of Maine and serves as a fundraiser for the preservation of the historic site.
