Heritage Singers, the original Rose City Singers from Portland,
Ore., packed the hall last night, with, not one — but two concerts in concurrence with the 2010 GC Session, in the Georgia World Congress Center’s Sidney Marcus Auditorium, Friday, July 2.
The 40-year anniversary celebration was marked by Max Mace, Heritage founder and Northwest native, stepping onto the stage, greeting a packed house with his trademark upbeat smile, paying tribute to longstanding supporters, and introducing nine other singers, their children and spouses to a full house.
The concert was a blend of old and new music including Heritage’s longest running all-time favorite “Jesus is the Lighthouse” and other favorites: “Daystar,” and “God’s Wonderful People”.
Dave Bell, Walla Walla, Wash., native and longest-running Heritage Singer (besides Mace family members) for over 23 years, soloed last night in “This Old House,” and Becki Trueblood-Craig, Caldwell, Idaho, native, and Heritage vocalist, also soloed. Bell told a laughing audience “It didn’t take me long to drop all my Walla Walla College classes and head to the Heritage Singers when they called.” Bell promised his family he would only be in the group a short stay, and then go back to “real life.”
“Who knew we’d be here at the GC Session in Atlanta 40 years later?” said Mace to the GLEANER, who went back-stage later, for a Heritage exclusive.
In the interview, Mace gave thanks to the North Pacific Union Conference and Northwest members who supported Heritage and said:
“Since those humble beginnings, Heritage has sung in over 60 countries, traveled by boat, airplane, been on countless mission trips …. And the ministry all started in Portland, Ore.,
“Cecil Coffey, GLEANER editor at the time, and Jerry Brass, NPUC youth leader, gave us our strongest support,” said Mace. “Without the Northwest support we wouldn’t be here. Those two gentlemen said ‘Max, if the Lord is in this, it will not fail.’ So we took a step of faith; we bought a bus; and hit the road.”
Concurrent with GC Session, Heritage unveiled a new book commemorating their 40-year history and highlighted their new endeavor, Espanol Heritage. Daughter Val Mace-Mapa, spoke to GLEANER about growing up in Portland, Ore., and attending Portland Adventist Academy. Co-founder, Lucy Mace received a flower tribute. And son Greg Mace was thanked for his involvement with Heritage sound systems.
Max jokingly ended the concert and interview by saying he wishes for “Only another 40 years of singing …”
Cindy Chamberlin, Gleaner managing editor, conducted this interview, and is pictured above with Lucy Mace, Heritage co-founder.