At 5:35 p.m., only five minutes after opening, the parking lot at the Hillsdale Gospel Barn is full. The lobby filled with people buying popcorn, hot dogs, and soda before the concert. They all greet each other as old friends, who have known each other for years.
The Gospel Barn was dedicated in 1974 for the purpose of promoting the Gospel in song.
“My grandpa built this facility for the purpose of gospel concerts,” current owner Scott Wiley said.
Wiley’s grandparents, Everett and Margaret Wirick, ran The Gospel Barn through the 1987 season, up until they were killed in a car accident in 1988.
Wiley, who said he was only 19 or 20 at the time, took over after their death.
“I felt God was calling me to do that,” Wiley said.
He explained that he had expressed an interest in someday running the Barn, but he did not plan on taking control at such a young age.
Through the help of family and friends, such as guitarist Norm Keesler and pianist Nan May, Wiley was able to keep the Barn running.
“So in ‘88, I received a phone call that they would like me to consider being the piano player for The Gospel Barn,” May said. “I said, ‘When do you want me?’ I didn’t need to consider.”
Keesler, who has been playing guitar in the house band for 36 summers, said that he is blessed to be a part of The Gospel Barn.
“The Wileys are fantastic,” he said.
He said The Gospel Barn would not have been able to stay afloat without the willing help of so many people.
“The Gospel Barn has been fortunate and blessed to have great people involved,” Wiley said.
The Gospel Barn has many people who attend their concerts every Saturday. Marjorie Cox said she has been coming every week since the late ‘70s.
“I enjoy the music very much,” Cox said. “It helps me to be ready for Sunday morning when I come to church.”
Keesler said that The Gospel Barn has a great family atmosphere: “I met my wife here. We were married here. All three of our children grew up here,” he said.
“You know you are some place special and the Lord is here” said Marilyn Pontius, another long-time fan of the Barn.
The Gospel Barn holds concerts every Saturday night from April until their free Evening of Thanks concert the first Saturday in November. They have hosted the Booth Brothers every year since 1998.
“We have become very comfortable and familiar with this audience,” said Michael Booth, one of the singers in the trio.
He said that they feel like they are able to relax more at The Gospel Barn than they would in a typical program.
“It’s a very relaxed living room atmosphere,” Booth said. “It’s very enjoyable for us.”
Becky Wiley, Scott’s wife, said that they have developed a relationship with the Booth Brothers over the years.
“They’re true people,” she said. “What you see on the stage and away from the stage is the same.”
Scott Wiley praised the Booth Brothers.
“To see a group stay humble and focused on people is really quite incredible,” he said.
Booth said that his father sang at The Gospel Barn years ago. He explained that he and his brother Ronnie grew up listening to gospel music.
“We didn’t plan on it becoming our vocation,” he said.
This year, the brothers, Michael and Ronnie, were without their third member, Jim Brady, who had laryngitis and was unable to sing. Michael Booth said that they were fortunate to be playing at The Gospel Barn when this happened because the crowd was receptive and supportive.
“I just hope we keep coming back a while,” Booth said. “It’s one of the most enjoyable stops on our tour.”
