Many regional groups gather with anticipation to the annual MSQC. In a friendly little town called Purvis, Ms. at the Lamar County Community
Shelter Building. The idea of a convention, started when Jason and Pam Oxenrider, after going to NQC one year thought it would be nice to
have something like this. Where groups, friends and those eager to hear gospel music could come and bless others with their God given talents.
Jason and Pam, who are siblings, prayed about this idea that was painting a beautiful picture in their mind. They also talked with their Father
and Mother, Barry and Beverly Oxenrider about what they desired to make happen. The excited parents were in agreement with them, and
after years of prayer and preparation, held the first MSQC in 2000. The mission statement for MSQC is “Win the lost and encourage the
discouraged, with the atmosphere of praise and fellowshipâ€.
The first MSQC was at The Lamar County Rodeo Arena in Purvis, MS., starting as a one day event held on Saturday in October. Over the next two years, a day was added, so by the third year, the convention was a three day event. After three years of holding the convention in a dirt floor rodeo arena, the decision was made to move the convention to central Mississippi, an indoor venue. The convention would then be held over the next six years at The Neshoba Co. Coliseum. It was during this time that the decision was made to move the convention from the fall to the summer, making it easier for families with kids in school to attend a three day convention. After 6 years in Philadelphia, Ms. and most of the groups being from Mississippi, Louisiana, and Alabama, a decision was made to move closer to the Hattiesburg, Ms. area.
Finally MSQC would move to its current location, The Lamar County Community Shelter Building in Purvis, Ms. In June of each year, many now look forward to this annual event, June of 2014 making 15 consecutive years.
Approximately 30 groups attend each year. Some groups have had chart success in both Christian Voice Magazine and Singing News Magazine.
In years past, National Artists such as Triumphant Quartet, The Bowling Family, The Talley Trio, Mark Trammel Quartet, The Perrys, The Dove Brothers Band, The Anchorman, and others have participated.
Starting on Thursday, groups perform in a Gaither-Style Homecoming sing along, with a live band and choir. In years past, themed to give tribute, to groups such as, The Kingsmen. This year MSQC honored The Hinsons. Envision a large choir, along with a live band, playing and singing the greatest hits, from these gospel legends. The audience is quick to recognize these familiar gospel tunes.
Fridays mornings at MSQC, start with a devotional time for any of the ladies desiring to be involved. This is conducted by Mrs. Beverly Oxenrider. Meanwhile the men that want to take part, all go for a time of fellowship and golf. By Friday afternoon, events start with the awards ceremony, in which artists and supporters of the convention have selected their favorites, along the lines of The Singing News Fan Awards and NQC Awards. After the ceremony, all of the groups will sing, until around midnight.
Saturdays at MSQC, the festivities begin with morning showcases. The first showcase is a Bluegrass Pickin’ session, followed by The MSQC Band Jam. MSQC is blessed with several great musicians from Bluegrass to Southern Gospel. The last morning showcase is known as “Battle of The Quartets”, a fan favorite. All of the quartet group members come on stage and sing the great quartet songs. We mix and match members from different groups to sing songs, you just never know what to expect during this showcase. This adds excitement, from singers to the audience. By early afternoon on Saturday, the concerts begin and all groups perform until late that night. MSQC ends on Saturday night with the grand finale, where all the groups meet on stage to sing the last song or hymn of the night, then ending with a prayer.
Afterwards, sad that it must come to an end, the groups begin to pack up, as they are saying their goodbyes, and reminisce about the last 3 fun filled days of gospel music, fellowship, and most importantly, praise to The Lord. Groups and audiences leave the convention saying that “their cup is filledâ€, and groups are encouraged to†keep on doing what they doâ€. Next year’s Mississippi State Quartet Convention is scheduled for
June 11-13, 2015, in Purvis, MS. at The Lamar County Community Shelter. RV sites available onsite. For more information
visit:  www.msqca.com or call 601-466-4343. See updates for MSQC on Facebook also, at https://www.facebook.com/pages/Mississippi-Quartet-Convention/112756678740409 . (Article written by Melissa Kinchen, MSQC history provided by Jason Oxenrider.)
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