The Lesters In Concert

The Lesters in concert: Justin Wells, Jon Lester, Brian Lester

I remember growing up, gathering around the piano and singing with my dad and sister. Some of my fondest memories were singing with them. On Sunday mornings, without fail, while getting ready for church we'd watch the Gospel Jubilee on television. The Goodmans and Speers were always a part of our Sunday morning routine. There is just something about family harmony that is special.

One group that has carried on a family legacy of gospel music is the Lesters from St. Louis, MO. For nearly 90 years, this family has been a beacon of Jesus Christ in sharing through music. This past Saturday night, the Lesters carried that message of hope to the First Nazarene Church in Okeechobee. Trust Quartet got together and sat front and center in the auditorium and shared a worship experience that we all needed.

As I've followed the Lesters over the years, from playing their music on radio back in the 80s, to being able to meet them in person a few years ago in Vero Beach, I've appreciated their heart for ministry. They, like all groups, have had several different personalities down through the years. Brian Lester readily acknowledged he is not an original member! They currently put the third and fourth generations of Lesters on stage full time. Brian, his son, Jon are joined by Justin Wells to make up the current group. It was mentioned during the concert, this is the first time in the long history of this group that there has not been a female to grace the stage with them.

The Lesters are full of energy from the first note to the last. Their smiles are infectious and before we left the building, everyone had shared a laugh or three. As entertaining as they are, and as much fun as we shared, there was also definitely a time for thought-provoking, heart-searching ministry. We were challenged by the Holy Spirit as much as we were encouraged. 

Another thing I really liked was their song selection. As much as I love songs that have a 'label' of southern gospel, I really love the hymns of the church. The Lesters sang songs like When We All Get To Heaven and Victory in Jesus. Two songs in particular that spoke to my heart were the Fannie Crosby hymn, My Savior First of All and Amazing Grace. To me, the congregation's response to Amazing Grace was legendary. As Jon introduced the song with the reminder of the Salvation Army's television commercial, the song went from an old standard to a personal reminder of God's grace to each of us. As they began to sing, the crowd stood to our feet. No applause, no whistling, no shouting. Some lifted hands in worship, but it was a reverence as we stood in awe of God's Amazing Grace to each of us. It was as if we were listening to the National Anthem ~ standing in respect to what we felt in our hearts.

The concert culminated with the Lesters' signature song, He Didn't Throw The Clay Away. What a message! That is one of those songs that never gets old. It's one that the Lesters no doubt have requested each time they take the stage to sing.

Truly, Trust Quartet was blessed and encouraged. Thank you Brian, Jon, and Justin for sharing with us this past week. If you have the opportunity to hear the Lesters, make plans to do it. You'll laugh, you may even shed a tear, but if you approach the time with an open heart, you will surely be blessed. I guarantee it!

Trust Quartet poses with The Lesters after the concert:
L to R: Spence, Buzz, Rhonda, Steve, Brian Lester, Jon Lester, Justin Wells