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Newspaper / Magazine articles:
Coffeehouse offers new youth training - San Marcos Daily Record, 1972
New Home Found For Singers - San Marcos Daily Record, Thursday, October 5, 1972
His Group To Perform In Houston This Weekend - San Marcos Daily Record, Thursday, November 9, 1972
Randy Hill Drums For The Lord - Jack C. Hays High Newspaper – 1973
Who do you love? - Arizona State University Paper - 1973 [excerpt]
Jesus People movement trying to convert Vegans - Las Vegas Review-Journal - May 1973
Liberation Suite at The Ark - 1973
Morning Star – a different kind of place - Hays County Citizen – February 28, 1974
County Inmates Hear Concert - The San Antonio Light – Sunday, Feb. 3, 1974
Christians behind Iron Curtain - 1974
Liberation Suite off to Europe - San Marcos Daily Record - May 1974
It’s a miracle how we got here (say Texans) - Belfast Telegraph - June 23, 1974
Five Americans Rock Ulster - Buzz Magazine (England, July, 1974)
Bringing the Texas revival to Carrick - Newtownabbey newspaper - 1974
‘Liberation Suite’ performs in Ireland - San Marcos Daily Record, San Marcos, TX, Sun., September 8, 1974
Liberation Suite Back In Ballymena - Ballymena Guardian (?) - 1974
Gospel Not Glitter At Ballymena - Buzz Magazine - (England, 1974)
International Jesus Concert At Arcadia - Portrush, Northern Ireland newspaper – June, 1974
(includes info on Malcolm and Alwyn)
Jesus bridges the generation gap - Bangor, Northern Ireland - 1974
A girl with laughter in her soul! - The Guardian, Ballymena, Northern Ireland - September 5, 1974
(includes info on Jamie Owens)
Gospel rock at Metropolitan Hall - Irish Times, Dublin, Ireland - October 19, 1974
Liberation Suite - Harmony Magazine - 1974
‘Liberation Suite’ performing in London - San Marcos Daily Record, San Marcos, TX., Sun., November 17, 1974
Receiving rave notices...‘Liberation Suite’ impressing British - San Marcos Daily Record, November, 1974
(includes info on Barry McGuire)
College Rocked - Buzz Magazine, London, England - 1975
(includes info on Aaron)
Irishman Visiting in San Marcos - San Marcos Daily Record, San Marcos, Tx., Sun., March 30, 1975
No shamed experience - May 24, 1975 Larry Norman, Parchment, Liberation Suite concert review
Liberation Suite Add Three More - Buzz Magazine, London, England- 1975
(includes info on Terry Clark, Duane Clark, Stephen Houston of Fruupp)
Liberation Suite: Friday PB - Gongster, November 11th 1975 (Nottingham University newspaper)
Liberation Suite On America’s West Coast - Buzz Magazine, London, England - 1975
‘Liberation Suite’ returns home from European tour - San Marcos Daily Record – 1975
Liberation Suite Returns From Europe - San Marcos Daily Record
Liberation Suite in Concert Here - Del Rio News-Herald, Friday, August 19, 1977
“Talent” - Contemporary Christian Music Magazine – 1981
(includes info on Lib Suite, Solid Rock Band, Mark Williamson Band, Bryn Haworth, Norman Barratt Band and Malcolm and Alwyn)
CCM Europe - Contemporary Christian Music Magazine – 1981
(includes info on Redd Harper)
“Suite” Rock ‘n’ roll Returns to U.S.A. - Contemporary Christian Music Magazine, January 1981
LibSuite to rock Summerfest ’92 - San Marcos Daily Record – 1992
Book excerpts:
Contemporary Christian Music - By Paul Baker (1985)
Raised By Wolves (excerpt) - By John J. Thompson (2000)
Encyclopedia of Contemporary Christian Music (2002) - By Mark Allan Powell
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Coffeehouse Offers New Youth Training
San Marcos Record, 1972
Whether they sing “Jesus is love, love is Jesus” or say those words to one another, youngsters attending the Morning Star leave with a “feeling of fellowship that bonds all of them together.”
This place of “fellowship, where anyone is welcomed” is a new coffeehouse which opened its doors every Friday and Saturday to the youth of San Marcos on April 21 from 9-12a.m.
The Morning Star is located on the second floor in the building that houses J.C. Penney’s department store.
“We try to reach out to others through music, the gospel and ourselves,” says Jim Darnell, program coordinator for the Morning Star.
The idea for a coffeehouse rose from students in high school and then some adults got involved with the idea according to Darnell. The basic format for the Morning Star came from a similar coffeehouse in Austin called the Well.
“Some of the students had attended the place in Austin and wanted to start a coffeehouse of their own in San Marcos so we helped them form a non-profit corporation, San Marcos Christian Youth Outreach Incorporation,” said Darnell.
A board of directors were appointed after the state approved the corporation. The consist of ministers from local churches and “prominent laymen.”
Darnell said the group of youngsters pray for everything that Morning Star receives. “We prayed one night tht we might receive some paint and the next day paint was donated to the Morning Star,” he added.
The Morning Star is a non-denomination [sic] function that presents a new aspect of Jesus Christ. The students and some adults talk to each other about the preaching of Christ, using the bible as their reference.
Those attending the coffeehouse get a chance to mingle with others in the 30 minutes between music sets. The coffeehouse sponsors three music sets during the evening.
A prayer session is offered every Friday and Saturday night from 8-9. This session is restricted to the staff of the Morning Star. The staff consists of those who have worked during the past months in the production of the coffeehouse.
Jack Enders, Austin preacher, instructs a beginner’s class for those who would like to know more about “the Bible and Jesus Christ.”
Don Jones and Craig Connally help coordinate the entertainment for the coffeehouse. Most of the time the entertainment comes from local students, but last weekend “Joy Of Living” from Austin sang for the youngsters.
Darnell measures the success of the Morning Star “with the good its done for the youngsters in area.”
“A few (three or four) students have given up drugs due t our religious training. We just offer them something that will replace their need for drugs,” says Darnell.
Darnell, San Marcos Baptist Academy instructor, thinks the youth in San Marcos need something to do on weekends and people to be with, at the same time they learn more about Jesus Christ.
“Winter, spring, summer or fall all you have to do is call” at the Morning Star for a fellowship experience.
Photo Caption: THE STAFF of the Morning Star pray as a unit prior to the 9 p.m. opening of the coffeehouse each Friday. The Morning Star offers a payer meeting for beginners also.
Photo Caption 2: CRAIG CONNALLY sings with the Morning Star Singers for entertainment during the evening. These singers are local youngsters and provide most of the singing.
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New Home Found For Singers
San Marcos Record, Thursday, October 5, 1972 – Page 7
You drive down West San Antonio Street and come upon a large white mansion with 19th century columns and a dark pink front porch. You hear the roar of rock music or perhaps the rattle-clank of a sing-along or maybe a director shouting “O.K. kids! Let’s get going!
If your curiosity gets the best of you, you must find a way in and find out what’s going on. Most likely you’ll find a lot of people, a lot of equipment and a lot of noise.
This is the general atmosphere in and around what is called “Weatherford House” for lack of a better name at the moment.
The house is being used as a studio for practice and recording of various Christian groups which have grown out of the former “Sound 70” program.
A program is under way to utilize Weatherford House as Christian performing arts center, providing instructions and training in music, art, drama, and stage design and lighting. The motivation behind all this is Christ.
Through educating kids and telling the “good news” the group hopes to spread the Christian gospel and strengthen the already existing Christian programs.
Dr. Darrel Baergen from the SWTSU Speech Dept. is assisting in the drama and stage aspects of the program. He is organizing a drama group that will do short skits that are designed to make the audience think about salvation.
Terry Stephens, whom the kids refer to as friend more than director, helps the group get organized. Mr. Stephes anticipates the making of a “pilot tape” for a radio station. A pilot tape is a recording used for promotional purposes, usually up to 15 or 20 minutes of music or whatever the organization is pushing.
Mr. Stephens also mentioned the possibilities of having “weekend excursions by drama and music groups.
The groups would depart from headquarters (Weatherford House) and then head for San Antonio or Austin, whichever city is decided on.
Designs are being drawn up for a mobile stage on the back of a truck, with a self-contained generator. This truck would be used for performing on beaches and in parks.
The group originally got started under the name “Sound 70 three years ago. Since then they have performed for various audiences around the country.
With two or three little shelf speakers a rickety Sound 70 pulled off the impossible.
“The Brass” [editors note: Liberation Suite] played Tijuana stuff, and the large group sang. There was also a bell choir.
Out of this combination of amateur scardy-cats [sic] grew a group of mature, professional, performers singing everything from formal choral pieces to progressive rock to gospel folk. “Sound ‘70 entertained everywhere; at the Austin Municipal Auditorium three times, the Austin Aquafest two years in a row, and the all night CARATAS Telethon on Channel 42 KHFI also in Austin. (Not to mention those irresistible trips to Brackettville, hosted by Happy Shahand, for Brackettville’s annual country fair.
Photo Caption: TERRY STEPHENS, director of Weatherford House, leads the former “Sound 70” in a Monday night practice.
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His Group To Perform In Houston This Weekend
San Marcos Record, Thursday, November 9, 1972 – Page 3
This week has been a frantic one of preparation at HIS PLACE, 802 W. San Antonio, as the various members and ensembles of HIS are rehearsing daily to prepare for their trip to Houston this weekend.
HIS will give a program in Spring High School, adjoining the new Houston Internation [sic] Airport, open Saturday evening, November 11. Joyce Newhouse, director of music at Spring, reports a full house is expected for the performance. Mrs. Newhouse first heard the group this summer at the Texas Choral Director’s Workshop, and extended an invitation to the group.
On Sunday morning, November 12, the group will give a 30 minute program at the First Baptist Church of Spring and return home following lunch at the church.
Programs for HIS in the near future include: two performances at the San Marcos Academy, one in November and one in December; a community Christmas concert in December, Sterling High School and Memorial Baptist Church in Baytown in January, and Dallas Baptist College in February.
Activities at HIS PLACE have been at a feverish pace during the past several weeks as numerous parents and members have been meeting almost daily to prepare for new outfits for the group, formal open house on November 19, furnishing of HIS PLACE, rehearsals, and recording sessions. Interest in the group is high as more than a dozen new young people have joined the group during the month of October.
Other young people in the San Marcos area interested in participation in art, drama, or music may either contact Terry Stephens for a personal interview or come to the audition times announced periodically in the San Marcos Record.
Appearing soon on the front lawn of 802 W. San Antonio St. will be a new sign created by Billy Windham, Industrial Arts faculty member at Southwest Texas University. It with state simply: HIS PLACE!
Photo Caption: MEMBERS OF HIS rehearse for Houston program at HIS PLACE, 802 W. San Antonio, as they prepare for performances at Spring High School and the First Baptist Church of Spring.
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Randy Hill Drums For The Lord
Jack C. Hays High Newspaper – 1973
Drummin’ for the Lord?! Hays High senior, Randy Hill spends his free time workin’ and a drummin’ for the Lord.
This past summer Randy along with his friends could be found busily at work preparing a place for teenagers of this area to have a common meeting place, The Morning Star, a coffee house in San Marcos. Randy was one of the main people that made this coffee house possible.
When Randy is not otherwise involved he plays in a band, “Liberation Suite.” “He plays a mean set of skins” and “…he adds a lot to Liberation Suite!” are two ways students express their feelings about Randy’s talents. He also holds the Hays Rebel Band together by the beat of the bass drum.
Randy helped a group of young people from the Baptist church in Kyle by playing drums for a Christmas folk
musical.
Students For Christ, a new club on campus, was promoted by Randy along with other interested parties. Randy was elected as chairman, head man, of this group.
Randy Hill, Hays High senior can always be found workin’ and a drummin’ for the Lord!
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Who do you love?
By Judy Pringle
Arizona State University Paper - 1973 [excerpt]
(“Who do you love?”) – “Jesus! – (“I didn’t hear you!”) – “Jeez-zuess!!!” seems to be drowning out the more Rabelaisian but classical “Gimme an ‘F’…!”; and it’s not 1968 anymore. Veterans of the rebel culture and the neo-indifferents are taking the Bible literally, seeing Jesus as the only way out of The Mess.
In a large tent pitched over at Central and Roosevelt, there’s a big Jesus-rooter revival going on every night at 7:30. They’ll be in town for another week or two. The entourage, a traveling salvation service, consists of 160 disciples, 5 semi-trucks, 2 buses (approximate value: one gem on the Pope’s little finger), and the epicenter, evangelist Bill Lowery, 30, the once and future salesman. Elmer Gantry started as a salesman, too.
The bumper stickers in the parking area (“Smile! Jesus Loves You!”) contrasted with my own “Honk if you love Ralph Nader or Germaine Greer!” and typified the philosophical differences I anticipated and later beheld. Inside the huge tent, three-fourths full on a Thursday evening, was electric music, tambourines, and joyous hand clapping. Big kerosene heaters lent an ominous smell; my thoughts ran repeatedly to the last, fiery tent scene in Elmer Gantry. Disciples took up collections in Kentucky Fried Chicken buckets. Receipts are always adequate to provide the necessities of life to the entire company; land for the tent was loaned compliments of the adjacent Episcopalian Church. I moved to the front for the sermon.
Bill Lowery is a speech teacher’s dream. He paces like a panther in his tight-fitting flares, gestures dramatically and speaks fluently with a combination of hippish lingo and colorful biblical phrasing (“The Devil’s a liar; loose your hold, Satan! Unless that’s your bag.”), imploring, beseeching his congregation to feel joy in Jesus, to let Him into their lives. Then some holy scripture. Rayhab was a harlot, but she had a heart of gold – stop me if you’ve heard this one – and Rayhab hid the two Israelites from the King of Jericho, who consequently found them not. So when the Israelites wrecked havoc upon the land (a ho-hum event in the Old Testament), Rayhab and her loved ones were spared unto the Lord. I don’t know what she did for a living after that.
“There are those who call themselves Christians …who only come to church for a spiritual belch, a religious burp!” Traces of the old ennui set in on Bill’s handsome face.’ “Brothers and sisters…sometime I feel the Holy Spirit telling me to save my breath.”
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Jesus People movement trying to convert Vegans
By Hanford Searl, R-J Staff Writer
Las Vegas Review-Journal [May 1973]
If you think it’s in vogue to be a member of the Jesus People movement, don’t believe it.
Just ask the 160 youthful zealots encamped around the Las Vegas area.
Since arriving here five weeks ago, the traveling evangelical entourage has experienced:
Time in jail for soliciting and meeting without a permit; hassling with city officials over a tent site for nightly meetings and being evicted from over-crowded living quarters.
“We came to Las Vegas because we felt compelled to awaken the once-a-week Christians to the fact that the city is evil in many ways, worshipping physical pleasures through gambling, widespread drunkenness and sexual sin,” reported 22-year-old Joe Grier of Peoria, Ill.
The response to members of the crusade has been about average. Some local officials ignore while others endorse the movement, according to Grier.
“Before coming to a new town we usually send letters ahead, inviting ministers and preachers to come hear what we have to say in our tent meetings,” commented Jim Dekeyzer, 30, of Moline, Ill.
Power House and Mizpah Missions, both of Las Vegas, have been the only local religious affiliations to extend aid to the struggling effort.
‘Income for the crusade comes chiefly from donations, reported Grier. This money helps pay for the 25-30 vehicle caravan, including five semi-trucks, four buses and private cars.
A common kitty is voluntarily received from incoming members and is watched over by secretary Donna Ramponi. “It’s kind of a united order fund for those in need,” said Dekeyezer, a former lead guitarist.
“We try to discourage kids from coming into the group because it’s not so glamorous,” replied Grier. “We live from day-to-day, so it’s best for an act of God to bring a kid into the ministry, not curiosity.”
On April 21, five of the hippie-type followers were arrested along the Strip for soliciting without a license their publication, “New Manna.”
Justice of the Peace Rex Bell dismissed the misdemeanor charges on April 24. In the decision he said, “Because you belong to a religious group, it’s questionable whether you would need to have a license.”
During the May 4 weekend, 61 “brothers an sisters,” including four juveniles were booked into city jails after they carried a 10-fout cross through the Casino Center.
The charge was meeting on the streets and preaching sermons without special permits.
Acting Municipal Court Judge Jerry Kaufman dismissed the charges saying that since the obstruction on Fremont street had been removed when the Jesus People were arrested, there was no need to pursue the case.
Bail was set originally by Kaufman at $25 apiece, but all defendants, represented by Morgan Harris of the public defender’s office, were released on their own recognizance May 7.
Deputy City Attorney Muriel Gund pointed out afterward it would have been difficult to convict the members of the crusade on the preaching charge since there were so many involved.
“The police may have seen them preaching,” she said, “but it would have been hard to identify specific individuals.”
Local youths were credited with causing the cross-bearing incident by both Jesus People spokesmen and city officials.
“Discipline is the by-work with our kids. We try to work with the system. We had told them, no more than two on each corner or walking along the sidewalk,” said Grier.
Two members of the crusade were involved in a two-truck towing collision on Intersate 15 Monday with a rider in the towed truck cab being thrown 40 feet to the ground near the Casino Center off-ramp.
Last week, two groups of crusaders were arrested at Las Vegas High School on charges of loitering on school grounds. Sixty-seven arrests were made, including 46 men and 26 women.
Dekeyser said all 67 will plead innocent.
Photo captions:
JOE GRIER
…’the city is evil’
JIM DEKEYZER
…help those in need
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Liberation Suite at The Ark
1973
The Liberation Suite, a rock-gospel group, is back by popular demand at the Ark. They will perform on 5 Oct. ’73 at 8:00 p.m. Also, David Beal a folk-gospel singer from Houston, Texas will minister in word an song, on 6 Oct ’73 at 8:00 p.m. The Ark is located at 102 Ave D in Killeen, Texas. Everyone is extended a cordial invitation.
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Sharing His Word
Morning Star – a different kind of place
Hays County Citizen
Peggy Collins
February 28, 1974 – Page 17
SAN MARCOS- On a Friday or Saturday night, most of the traffic (automobiles and people) on LBJ Drive is probably directed at the movie, a café; or a choice saloon. But every now and then, a stop is made at a spot where “The Exorcist” will never play; hamburgers cannot be had, and liquor doesn’t grace the tabletops. When the Morning Star CoffeeHouse advertises as “a different kind of place,” here are no grounds for a false advertising suit. It’s a place where people meet to “spread and receive the gospel of Jesus Christ.” Bob Morris, 21 year-old director of the coffee hose said that an average of 80 people crowed the main floor of 202 ½ LBJ, by walking up the stairs that lead to the second floor address. “The main method used here for lifting up the gospel is music. We are open from 8 p.m. until midnight on Friday and Saturday nights, offering three sets of ‘gospel rock,’ or ‘Jesus music’ each night.”
What goes on between the sets adds to making the spot a different place. Morris and his staff of 35 Christians make themselves available to visitors for one-to-one counseling, be it marriage, drug or emotional, with Jesus as the key. “Our staff includes students, from jr. high age to college seniors, and many full time ministers of the gospel,” he said. It’s interesting to note that these days being a minister of the gospel doesn’t necessarily mean being a pastor or a clergyman. Morris, for example, is a sociology major at SWT. His plans for the future do not include preaching each Sunday in an established church, but it’s his goal to carry the word of Jesus. The Ft. Worth senior is a member of the New Testament Church. The founder of that non-denomination church is the same man who founded the coffeehouse, San Marcos resident Jim Darnell. The worshippers hold services at Owen Goodnight Jr. High on Sunday mornings and at the City Park on Sunday nights. Says Morris, “We try to keep the service open to discussion. The discussion is open to all believers, from Lutherans to Nazarenes. We feel that we’re one with God.” This informal attitude at church is the same as the concept of the coffee house, “We move as we feel with the Lord, we share what we’ve found,” Morris grinned, “We serve coffee and donuts at Morning Star, but that’s far from our main purpose.” So, gospel’s the main purpose, and music’s the method. Javier Rios, 22-year old San Marcos resident, lives with Morris and five other “brothers of the gospel” on West San Antonio. He likes music, and it’s his job to make visitors at Morning Star like it. “Our music is not the old-time gospel kind. It’s folk-rock, praising the Lord.
Our headlining band, “Liberation Suite,” appears regularly at Morning Star, and their instrumental sound could best be compared to ‘Chicago,’” the young musician said. Add Rios, “Sometimes people get tired of preaching. That’s why we hope they listen to the words of our songs. It’s another way to spread the message.” Morris adds that the music played at Morning Star is nearly always original. “It’s a way of telling other people what we’ve found in Christ.” Interested musicians are urged to contact the coffeehouse for interviews. When Morning Star opened about two and half years ago, most of the visitors were Camp Gary Job Corpsmen, who were probably hungry for a place to get off the streets. “We’ve reached many corpsmen,” Morris explained, “Anytime a large group visited us, we considered it well worth our efforts if we reached only one.” Morning Star is completely a non-profit organization. Who pays the rent? Believe it or not, God does. “We simply believe that God will provide for us,” Morris said, “and he does. We’ve never been in the red. Donations come to us all the time, from people all over the state.” If a definite sponsor, besides Jesus, were to be named for the establishment, it would be Hill Country Faith Ministry, Inc., an operation through which the Morning Star works. Founder Jim Darnell is on the board. “It’s sort of a home base,” Morris said.
The friendly young man is open and easy to talk with, and his sincerity is obvious. Okay, we have the where and how of the coffee house, this Citizen reporter told him, how about some more on the why? “The coffeehouse is there for people who want it. We never push our faith on anybody. Yet, more and more, people are noticing the place, kids dropping by,” the young man explained. “Jesus calls on us, each in a different way, and tells us what he wants us to do. Each person is an individual, and has the choice of heeding it or not. We have chosen to be ministers of the gospel.” When asked how a minister such as himself would approach a stranger with the gospel, he answered, “There is not a systematic how to go about sharing my good news.”
No question seemed able to puzzle the minister, not to even make him hesitate. The Citizen asked Bob Morris about the sudden interest displayed by man lately in the occult. Why the fascination of the forbidden? His answer came as quickly as did his smile. “The return of Jesus is very near,” he said softly, “and the power of Satan is very real. He is trying harder now since he knows he’s number two.” The obvious question was saved for last. Sometimes people like Bob Morris are called “Jesus Freaks.” Well Bob? “No,” he retorted, patiently, “I don’t like that term. I mean, a ‘freak’ is abnormal, right? Well, I was a freak before I found Jesus.
When Jesus Christ made me anew, I became a person.” Bidding adieu to Bob and his brothers, the Citizen reporter noticed that she had talked straight through the lunch-hour. But, when the reporter apologized for the inconvenience, Bob said, “That’s okay. We’re fasting today.” Seems that a fellow Christian needed special attention and the ministers were devoting all of their time to the cause. Bob seemed a little surprised when the reporter was impressed by their dedication. “Don’t you know that the strongest witness is love?”
Photo captions:
Bob Morris
THE RESURRECTION through the eyes of the artist, Javier Rios, at the coffee house.
MORNING STAR – 202 1/1 LBJ
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County Inmates Hear Concert
The San Antonio Light
Sunday, Feb. 3, 1974
Bexar County Jail was really “swinging” Saturday when prisoners had ringside seats for rock concerts provided by several musical group staging a “National Youth Moratorium on Indecency.”
The young people drew loud applause from inmates and police officers and passersby stopped to listen as
the band played in the parking lot across from the jail in the 200 block of Nueva.
Following the concerts, the young people marched to the Alamo for another concert and a rally during which they called for a halt to the “flood” of pornographic literature, offensive language and programming in the broadcast media and more honest, decent conduct from public officials.
A member of one of the bands, “Liberation Suite” rock group from San Marcos, Paul Lyon, 20, said, “We tell the prisoners the same thing we tell everyone else: Unless you are going with Jesus, you are fighting the way the universe should be going.”
During their visits to San Antonio, the young people gathered names on a petition calling for a return to “decency and faith.”
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Christians behind Iron Curtain
By Phillip Stephens
Have the Communists quelched the Christian movement behind the Iron Curtain?
“No,” says Friends in the West director Raymond Barnett, “the Christian church is strong, but under intense persecution.” This fact was emphasized night, Feb. 13, at the showing of the movie, “The Bitter Cup”, at the City Park Recreation Building.
“The Bitter Cup”, filmed behind the Iron Curtain in Hungary and Russia, depicts the life of the peo0le and the hazards of being a Christian in Communist countries. Contained within the film are some footages of a film shot by an amateur and smuggled out of Russia showing an actual Christian meeting being investigated by the Red Guard. The film also describes the work of Friends in the West, organized in an attempt to help Christians in the East.
The movie, filmed by photographer Mel Halvershem, was flown in from California to be shown before a meeting of young people and adults. During the course of the meeting, Barnett shared stories of Christians who had been arrested for their faith in Russia. Barnett has been behind the Iron Curtain numerous times.
A young man from San Antonio told his experience of how he had shared Christ with young people at Communist Youth rallies and at universities in Czechoslovakia.
Friends in the West has its international headquarters in London with offices in Denver and Canada. Barnett says FITW is a Christian, non-profit organization dedicated to the furtherance of the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ to people trapped behind the Iron Curtain, and to the relief and aid of those already of the faith there who are sufferings for their belief in Jesus.
“The ministry is carried on by dedicated workers, both in the Americas (U.S. and Canada) and in Europe. Outreaches include personal contact and aid to prisoners’ families behind the Iron Curtain, researching and publishing facts concerning Christian prisoners and placing Bibles and Christian literature behind the Iron Curtain. Publishing actual cases of people imprisoned for their faith has a tremendous affect on the government who places them there. Pressure from public sentiment has even resulted in the release of some and kept other alive,” Barnett states.
One of the new projects of Friends in the West is their Prisoners for Christ bracelets. Modeled around the popular POW bracelets, they are given for a small donation to people who promise to pray for the named prisoner daily. The bracelets contain the name of the prisoner, the date of his sentence, and a reference to the Bible – Hebrews 13:3.
Liberation Suite, local Christian jazz and rock band, performed several numbers before the movie was shown, while Don Forester, former basketball coach at SWTSU, led the audience in some choruses.
The movie was sponsored by the San Marcos New Testament Church. The group meets at Owen Goodnight on Sunday mornings and at the City Park Recreation Building on Sunday evenings.
[note from Liberation Suite: After the meeting members of Liberation Suite and Ray Barnett met together over a cup of coffee at Carson’s Truck Stop in San Marcos. Barnett told Liberation Suite that he thought that their music would go over well in Northern Ireland where he was originally from. He said he had a house in Belfast that the band could use as a base of operations if they could get there. The band said that they would pray about it. Three months later in May of 1974, the band members including wives Dawn Hill and Katy Bynum would leave Texas for Northern Ireland.]
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Liberation Suite off to Europe
San Marcos Daily Record - May 1974
Liberation Suite, local Jesus rock band, left San Marcos yesterday afternoon to begin a tour of Ireland and then Europe this summer. The band was sent out as missionaries from Hill Country Faith Ministries of San Marcos.
The band will travel to Montreal, Canada, via their maxi-van where they will catch a ship to take them and their van to Northern Ireland. Liberation Suite’s final destination will be the Belfast vicinity where they intend to establish a European base of operations. After this they plan to tour England and Europe to play Jesus Rock concerts.
While in Europe the band will be sponsored by the USO to play for military personnel overseas, and also by Friends In The West, Inc. under the directorship of Ray Barnett. Friends in the West was organized to assist in supporting Christians behind the Iron Curtain. The organization takes bibles and ministers to Christians in the East, and keeps Christians in the West informed of conditions behind the curtain.
Going to Ireland will be Paul and Howard Lyon, sons of Mr. And Mrs. Ed Lyon of San Marcos, Barry and David Bynum, sons of Mr. And Mrs. Lowell Bynum of San Marcos, plus David’s wife Katy, daughter of Mr. And Mrs. Jim Caley also of San Marcos and Randy Hill, the drummer, son of Mr. And Mrs. Alton Hill [of] Buda. All but the Hills graduated from San Marcos High School. His wife Dawn will also be going. David and Katy will fly to meet the group in Montreal from San Antonio Sunday.
Liberation Suite began almost three years ago when the members of a local band, Rock Reconstruction Company, joined the brass ensemble of the former Sound 70 group. Soon after, during summer and fall of 1971, all the members of the group had a personal experience with Jesus Christ. Liberation Suite then decided to continue as a Christian rock group.
For the first year the group played locally, both independently and with the His group. Then in January, 1973, they joined the Christ is the Answer crusades for six months to tour the Southwestern United States. Since their return last July they have played all over the state of Texas and in Oklahoma.
While in Europe the band will be working in part with Bobby Hill, son of Mr. and Mrs. Julius Hill of San Marcos, who left for Ireland to work with Friends in the West this April. They will be accompanying Bobby on some missions behind the Iron Curtain.
Liberation Suite and Hill Country Faith Ministries are subsidiaries of the New Testament Church. The pastor is Jimmy Darnell.
[note: just a few things to take note of in this article. Although the band did ship it’s Dodge maxi-van to England, the group itself flew to Dublin on Aer Lingus airlines. The “His” group mentioned, was formerly called “Sound 70”. Although the band did have some contact in Northern Ireland with Bobby Hill (Randy Hill and Bobby Hill are cousins), the band never made it behind the “Iron Curtain” with Bobby and were never sponsored by the USO.]
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From Texas to Mallusk
The seven Texans living at Mallusk don’t wear 10-gallon hats and smoke cigars. And they aren’t here to prospect for oil.
Instead, they play guitars and sing the praises of the Lord. And they’re here because “God told them Northern Ireland was the place to be.”
Read about the Jesus Rockers in Page 7 today.
Belfast Telegraph - June 23, 1974
It’s a miracle how we got here (say Texans)
By Colin McClelland
Seven young Texans living at Mallusk plan to stage a series of outdoor ‘Jesus music’ concerts for teenagers in the cities and towns of Northern Ireland this summer.
And if things go according to plan, they intend to use Ireland as a ‘jumping-off’ point for Christian concert tours throughout Britain and Europe.
But the American gospel group, who call themselves Liberation Suite, are convinced that their journey to Mallusk would not have been possible without the series of ‘little miracles’ that marked their progress from San Marcos in Texas six months ago.
For they reckon that was the way God planned it.
Twenty-year-old Paul Lyon, who plays trombone and flute, and is the leader of the Jesus ‘family’ at Mallusk, said: “A colleague of ours in an international Christian organization called ‘Friends in the West’ suggested to us that our music would be appreciated in Northern Ireland..
“That was at the beginning of the year. As we were thinking about the idea, God came to us individually and told us we could do it. At that time we had no money, no means of transport, and no van to carry our equipment. But we knew that if it was God’s will for us to go Northern Ireland, then God would provide the means, Paul said.
God did, according to the group. For despite a series of setbacks and accidents, the Texans got their money, their transport and their van.
And since their arrival here earlier this month the ‘family’ have been ensconced in the rural luxury of Cottonmount House at Mallusk –courtesy of the Lord.
Now the five – strong band – two of who brought their wives along on the trip – plan to play their gospel message to the young people of the province, through the medium of open-air concerts.
Liberation Suite got together in 1971, shortly after its members had what Paul Lyon describes as a ‘salvation experience.’
“Three of us were playing in a rock group in Texas at the time. Individually, we were all moved by God, and we gave up playing altogether for a while. But then we realized that the Lord would use us for his own purpose – so we formed Liberation Suite and started to include Christian music in our repertoire.”
The band – Paul (flute, trombone), Randy (drums), Barry (guitar, keyboards), David (bass guitar, saxophone, rhythm guitar), Howard (trombone, harmonica) – toured the Western states of America with their Jesus show before the ‘call’ to Northern Ireland.
“the Lord provided the money and the van and the means of transport, as we knew he would,” Paul explained.
Liberation Suite plan to stay in Northern Ireland indefinitely, “as the Lord provides.”
In the meantime, they’re looking for venues and interested organizations who’d like to help them stage their Jesus rock shows. The bands’ telephone number is Glengormley 3499.
Photo caption: It had been a dull, overcast day. But when our photographer said, “Smile, please,” a sudden ray of sunshine came to light up the picture. For the young Americans sitting on the grass – from left David, Katie, randy, Barry, Dawn, Paul, Howard – it was just another of the Lord’s ‘little miracles.’
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Five Americans Rock Ulster
Buzz Magazine (England, July, 1974)
Over the past two months, upwards of 20 Northern Irish towns have been, literally, rocked to near standstills by five young Texans who are making Ulster their permanent home for at least another few months.
Liberation Suite, comprising Paul and Howard Lyon, David and Barry Bynum and Randy Hill, were told that they were ‘crazy’ when they suggested moving to Ireland for [a] spiritual campaign. But, probably with more faith than sense, they left the matter with the Lord – and eventually made the trip to Dublin just after it had been labeled ‘City of the Dead’ following car bomb blasts which killed 15 people.
And since then, they have covered Ulster’s face with a series of concerts, several of them open-air, which have surprised and delighted Christians and non-Christians alike.
Hundreds of people have looked on with fascination at open-airs in Coleraine, Antrim and Portadown. Many have prayed when appeals were made. Others have been convicted by the young men from America who have shown tremendous courage by playing in many venues where any form of ‘contemporary’ religion is not looked on kindly.
The reaction of Ulster’s young people has delighted them.
Says Paul Lyon: “It’s impressing for us to see the way in which young people here will admit to having no faith. In the States the normal reaction is, ‘Course I’m a Christian – I go to Church!’ but here I think there is a truer realization of what Christianity is – despite the problems.”
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Newtownabbey
SPECIAL
Carrickfergus
Bringing the Texas revival to Carrick
1974
THE STARS of a concert at Treetops Youth Club in Sunnyland, will be rock group from America called Liberation Suite.
Liberation Suite, however, are a group with a difference for in fact they are dedicated to religion and all their songs carry the message of God.
There are five members of Liberation Suite; Randy Hill, Howard Lyon, his brother Paul, David Byrum and his brother Barry, and they all come from Texas.
Their music is a mixture of jazz and rock, and their main influences came from Deep Purple, the Beatles and Johnny Winter. Before coming to stay in Carrick three months ago they had completed a successful tour of the South.
While in Carrick they have played several concerts in the area, and have been pleased with the reception they have got. “Carrick is a fine place and some of the people show a certain warmth which could never be found in the States,” commented Paul Lyon.
Only three years ago each member was at High School and looked set to go on to university. They all lived around Houston, the capital of Texas, trying in their own words “to be heavy by taking drugs and drink.”
However, at this time they explained, Texas was hit by a great religious revival, which changed their lives. They wanted to convert others and so they formed a rock group to spread the Gospel in their rather unorthodox manner.
“Religious music is in a bad state of affairs, they explained: “We want young people to be able to associate with us so we feel that we should wear our hair long even if many people do find it hard to believe we are dedicated Christians.”
The group believes that they are destined to become famous and say that any money they make will be put to good causes. After they leave the province they are heading for England, probably in November where thy will tour and make a record.
[Band note: “Did this reporter actually talk to anyone in the band? Needless to say, this article is one of the worst we’ve ever been on the receiving end of!”]
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‘Liberation Suite’ performs in Ireland
Page 2 – The Daily Record, San Marcos, TX,
Sun., September 8, 1974
BELFAST, NORTHERN IRELAND – “Liberation Suite,” a Jesus-rock band from San Marcos, is now ministering their brand of music to thousands of fans throughout Northern Ireland. Since leaving America the twentieth of May, the group has been playing and speaking to groups of up to 5,000 in open-air concerts, concert halls and various churches.
The group’s leader, Paul Lyon, speaking of the widespread success of the group in Ireland, stated that, “there is a widespread revival in Ireland. The Irish people are searching for the truth that will set their country free. Many of the citizens, young and old alike, are finding the truth in Jesus. We are very happy that God led us here so that we can be part of His Work.”
The group’s success has not been kept to the Emerald Isle but has spread as far as England, where they are now negotiating with several record companies who wish to record the local group. The band’s future plans include a move to England where they will base their ministry, and then to do extensive work throughout England and European continent.
Photo Captions:
‘Liberation Suite’ puts out the sounds as they perform at the 12th of July at Belfast, Ireland. The group, composed of (left to right ) David Bynum, Howard Lyon, Paul Lyon, Randy Hill and Barry Bynum, performed before a crowd of 5,000.
THOUSANDS OF IRISH listen to the sound of San Marcos’ “Liberation Suite” as they perform at Belfast, Ireland, July 12. The group is presently touring Europe and performing in cities across the continent. Performers in the foreground are Paul and Howard Lyon.
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Liberation Suite Back In Ballymena
Ballymena Guardian - 1974
Ballymena’s Flamingo Entertainment Centre is going “gospel” – for one night, at any rate.
Next Sunday evening (April 13th) Flamingo fans will be treated to an extraordinary band who play gospel music like its never been played before. Liberation Suite, the five rock musicians who have been “wowing” English audiences for the past six months, are coming back to Ireland for a ten-day tour. They did, of course, spend six months in Ireland last year and made several appearances both in Ballymena and Antrim.
Suite will be playing along with talented Belfast duo Chris an Alastair as part of a “One Way” coffee-bar setup designed to take the message of Christ to the young people o f our town, and the Flamingo is an ideal venue.
“We could have as many as 1,000 people there, and we can guarantee a top-class programme,” comments one of the organizers, Colin Craig. Colin, along with several other young people from local churches, has been working hard to organize the effort and is confident it will be a success.
Admission is free and the new Liberation Suite album will be on sale at the Ballymoney Street venue. The American outfit will get the coffee bar swinging with a half-hour session from 8:00 p.m. And Chris an Alastair will perform their individualistic brand of folk rock from 6 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Liberation Suite will be in action again from 10:00 p.m. onwards.
Speaking between times will be Coleraine minister Rev. Brian Kingsmore.
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Gospel Not Glitter At Ballymena
Buzz Magazine (England, 1974)
Ballymena’s Flamingo Ballroom, in the heart of County Antrim, usually echoes to the sounds of bands like Mud, Bay City Rollers and the Glitter Band. But recently well lover 1,000 young people from the town packed the venue to hear Liberation Suite’s brand of gospel music.
Somewhere in the region of 100 young people responded to Rev Brian Kingsmores’ address after the concert.
The Flamingo manager was astonished, both by the attendance and results, and he has offered the use of the hall on a regular basis.
-Geoff Martin
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International Jesus Concert At Arcadia
Portrush, Northern Ireland newspaper – June, 1974
THE Arcadia, Portush, will be the setting for what has been billied as a huge “International Jesus Concert,” on Wednesday, July 17.
Topping the bill will be English duo Malcolm and Alwyn, who have just released their “Fool’s Wisdom” album. Also appearing will be American band Liberation Suite and Londonderry outfit Salt.
All three acts will be combining to present a feast of top class music – music which will have a message relevant to the needs of today’s young people.
Malcolm and Alwyn have been in Ireland before – they appeared in Coleraine last year, and are sure to attract a large attendance. The duo, reckoned to be the best in this field from the UK, will bear testimony in song to the changing force which comes with a faith in Jesus.
Liberation Suite are also becoming well known throughout Ulster as a result of setting up a permanent base at Mallusk six weeks ago. Since then they have appeared in many towns, and recently staged open air events at Portadown, Coleraine, and Antrim.
Musically they have tremendous talent and should be well worth seeing.
Salt, four lads from Londonderry, are the home-grown talent on the bill. Like Liberation Suite, they have appeared at venues throughout the Province and established themselves as one of the most talented Jesus-rock bands in the country.
Malcolm and Alwyn will also be appearing at Milano’s, Bangor, and Kilkeel, Co. Down, before joining with Liberation Suite and Salt at the Ulster Hall, Belfast, next Saturday night. Admission to all concerts is 40p and 50p.
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Jesus bridges the generation gap
Bangor, Northern Ireland - 1974
By Geoff Martin
Jesus bridged the generation gap in Antrim last Friday afternoon.
A silver haired lady emerged from a crowd in the open square opposite Hall’s Hotel and clasped a long-haired, denim clad young man by the hand. The fact that he was playing electric guitar and singing rock songs didn’t matter much to her.
He was Barry Bynum, lead guitarist and vocalist with American gospel rock band Liberation Suite, in Antrim for an open-air concert. She was an elderly believer who obviously felt that the lads deserved praise and encouragement for their contemporary approach. And they were both united in a faith, which shows no political, religious or social barriers. As was only too evident in that moment, age or background doesn’t enter into Christianity.
Said Barry: “It was a nice gesture. She said ‘Praise the Lord for all of you.’ And added that she wished more people would do the same kind of thing.”
That lady wasn’t the only Antrim resident to be impressed by the obvious sincerity of the five young Texans who literally “rocked” the centre of the town almost to a standstill. Hundreds of shoppers, young and old, watched and listed to their message. Motorists were tempted to stop for longer than trafffic lights permitted in order to hear and see. Even local policemen stayed around the scene for much longer than their sense of duty required. Clergymen were captivated and even the local Mormons attempted to take advantage of the crowded situation.
Liberation Suite, comprising Paul and Howard Lyon (brothers), David and Barry Bynum, also brothers, and “spiritual” brother Randy Hill are all from Texas, but the only thing they believe in boasting about is the Lord of their faith.
He, they say, inspired them to come to Ulster, provided the means, and also other “accessories” such as a house in which to stay and venues at which to play. Already over 15 towns have been visited and in the near future they hope to play to British Army soldiers and to people in riot areas of Belfast and Londonderry.
They admit to having had human fears about an Ulster visit – and no wonder! When they were in Montreal, waiting to board their plane to Dublin, they were told by a Canadian on his way back from a holiday that Irish people “were crazy” – that was shortly after the recent strike. And when the boys arrived in Dublin it was being called “They City of the Dead” after 15 people had been killed in car bomb attacks.
But, encouraged by their faith, they set up a base at Mallusk and plan to stay in Ulster indefinitely.
“We have been surprised by the Irish people so far,” says Paul Lyon. “It’s impressing for us to see the way young people either say they are Christian and mean it, or make no pretence about not being saved. In Texas the attitude is ‘Of course I’m a Christian – I go to church!’ Here I think there is more true Christianity, despite the troubles.”
They have also been impressed by the way in which they have been accepted – not as hippies with a cult, but as Christians with a cause.
To those who feel that rock music cannot be used by God, they say, “We reckon that the Lord can use just about anything for His glorification. The fruits will bear it out, as the Bible says.”
There is, they realize, a danger that people will listen to the music rather than the message: “But if the Spirit is there it will communicate” they reason.
Pleased that the people of Antrim showed a sincere interest in their ministry, the Texans would welcome the chance of another visit. And that could happen in the near future because a local clergyman has made an initial approach with a view to a booking.
They also hope to visit Ballymena with a similar open-air show in August.
After that, there are bigger possibilities afoot.
An LP, early next year, could materialize and a large-scale advancement to the Continent is very much on the cards.
But whenever Liberation Suite do decide that their work in Ulster is finished, they’ll have one very permanent reminder of their Irish visit. David’s wife, who accompanied them on their trip, has just had the couple’s first child. And that means that there will always be a little of the Irish in the Bynum household!
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A girl with laughter in her soul!
The Guardian, September 5, 1974
Ballymena, Northern Ireland
Guardian Entertainment Guide
THERE’S laughter in her soul, as well as on the pretty features of blond Californian girl Jamie Owens, who plays in an all-American bill at Ballymena town Hall on Friday evening.
Jamie, reckoned to be the top female Jesus, music performer in the States, will wind up a short tour of Ulster with the Ballymena date. Supporting her will be Texas rock outfit Liberation Suite.
Well known in Christian circles as a part-composer and lead singer in the “Come Together” musical production, Jamie is a talented performer in her own right. Although only 18 years old, she plays folk-style guitar with the polish of a veteran and handles lyrics with a sincerity few female singers can match.
Liberation Suite, no strangers to the Mid-Antrim area, are a rock band with a heavy jazz influence which marks them as one of the most original, and talented, Jesus-rock bands no in Britain. As the result of a recent stint in England the five young Texans were offered the possibility of a recording contract with ABC records, one of America’s most professional groups.
Tickets for the concert, which are reported to be selling briskly, are on sale at Sam’s Boutique, Wellington Street, Nicholl’s Electric, Church Street, Brown’s Newsagents, Mill Street and the Evangelical Bookroom.
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