Special service set this Sunday

By Sam Waller

Eddie and Debbie Hanks of Seymour will conduct a Bluegrass gospel service Sunday, March 26 at Albany Methodist Church.

The Hankses have been performing together as part of Hanks & Company along with Klint Trammell and Stephen Foster. The group plays for churches and a variety of events in need of a traditional bluegrass sound with a positive, uplifting message.

Hazel Heidecker, wife of AMC pastor Bob Heidecker, said the Hankses offer a message of faith backed by Bluegrass music.

“When we were pastoring at Knox City, we hosted them at the church, and they visited the nursing home,” she said. “When we heard them preach and sing, it was just a joy to listen.”

The worship service begins at 11:00 a.m. A family meal will be served in the Fellowship Hall following the service.

Heidecker said the Hankses will conduct their portion of the service following hymns, scripture reading, and offering.

“At the end, we’ll take up a love offering for them,” she said. “Everybody’s welcome.”

Eddie Hanks, the group’s banjo player, began playing guitar when he was about 7 years old. He began playing in his father’s band called Texas Grass.

Debbie Hanks had no experience with Bluegrass before meeting her husband. She enjoyed singing in church and school choirs, and she also sang with an a capella group while attending Texas Tech University in 1987. Eddie began teaching her how to play the bass in 2004.

“The Hankses are acquainted with lots of folks around this area,” Heidecker said. “They have friends all over, and they’re just excited to come.”