Men of Praise
God says that His Word will not return void. The Men of Praise believe it, and they also believe that the Lord’s word is powerfully presented in the format of contemporary Southern Gospel music. The nine members of this Gospel ensemble have a vision - and it is the creed of their home church, Sagemont Church, Houston, Texas - to “bring living proof, of a loving God, to a watching world.”
Larry Brown brought the first members of Men of Praise together in March 2003. The goal was to master a repertoire of uplifting songs and sing them for the folks in the nursing homes and assisted living communities around the south Houston area. The need was great, and remains, to bring the Gospel of Jesus Christ to those unable to visit a local church. They began simply - six voices singing to the accompaniment of a performance tape played on a portable player - but as time went by God blessed their efforts more than any of them could imagine!
They brought their singing talents to the Sunday school worship at Sagemont Church and soon discovered that there was a great demand for their music. The membership of Sagemont Church has been an overwhelming blessing, supporting the ministry with encouragement and monetary contribution, allowing Men of Praise to upgrade the sound system and music library.
Men of Praise added the Texas prisons to the ministry, and they have sung at several South Texas institutions. As God provides opportunity and empowerment, Men of Praise will continue to reach out to the community, to bring the joy of the Gospel to those in greatest need, and to lift up their Savior in thankful song.
The members of the Men of Praise are voices trained primarily by their participation in the Sagemont Church choir, and God, as He always does for His glory, has blended them into a vibrant and energetic sound. It resonates with the strength men’s voices have when men truly, and from their hearts, lift up their Savior. The ensemble members represent a cross section of all generations of believers, dedicated to proclaiming the joy of the Lord.
The members of the group are: Alan Dunn and Grady Owens, 1st tenors; Kevin Riggle and Doug Claunch, 2nd tenors; Paul Nelson and Roberto Zavaleta, baritones; Larry Brown and John Summers, basses.
The ensemble is blessed by the talents of Sally Ondriezek, who applies her exceptional pianist skill and trained musician’s ear to hone our sound for God’s glory. Thank you, Sally!
Performances in the community to date include:
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Active Senior Living Center |
Deer Park, Texas |
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Alvin Lutheran (Gospel Fest) |
Alvin, Texas |
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Broadway Baptist Church |
Houston, Texas |
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Coffee Café at First Presbyterian Church |
Pasadena, Texas |
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Covenent Glen United Methodist Church |
Missouri City, Texas |
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CROP Ministry Banquet at Sagemont Church |
Houston, Texas |
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First Baptist Church |
Friendswood, Texas |
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First Baptist Church |
Madisonville, Texas |
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First Baptist Church |
Magnolia, Texas |
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First Baptist Church (Seniors) |
Pasadena, Texas |
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First Baptist, South Houston (BAGMA) |
South Houston |
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Forest Park Chapel, Lawndale |
Houston, Texas |
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Freeway Baptist Church |
Houston, Texas |
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Gaither Style Homecoming at Sagemont |
Houston, Texas |
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Genoa Methodist |
Houston, Texas |
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Imperial Valley Church (Assembly of God) |
Houston, Texas |
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Lyons Unity Missionary Baptist Church |
Houston, Texas |
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Memorial Baptist Church |
Pasadena, Texas |
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Needville Community Church |
Needville, Texas |
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Park Memorial Baptist Church |
Houston, Texas |
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Pastorial Care Ministry Banquet |
Houston, Texas |
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Prison Ministry Banquet |
Houston, Texas |
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Rosanky Baptist Church |
Smithville, Texas |
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Sagemont Legacy Service |
Houston, Texas |
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Sagemont Widows Banquet |
Sagemont Youth Bldg |
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Sagemont's Catch-Up Celebration |
Houston, Texas |
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Sagemont's Lodge at Danbury |
Danbury, Texas |
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Sagemont's Stew Supper |
Houston, Texas |
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San Leon Community Church |
San Leon, Texas |
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Second Baptist Church |
Deer Park, Texas |
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Southern Congregation Methodist Church (BAGMA) |
Pasadena, Texas |
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Spring Woods Baptist Church |
Houston, Texas |
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St. Peter’s Episcopal Church |
Pasadena, Texas |
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St. Pius Sonshiners, East Harris County Activity Center |
Pasadena, Texas |
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St. Timothy Episcopal Church |
Houston, Texas |
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Star of Hope Mission |
Houston, Texas |
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Widow's Brunch at Sagemont Church |
Houston, Texas |
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Woodforest Presbyterian Church |
Houston, Texas |
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Cottages of Clear Lake |
League City, Texas |
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Danforth Gardens Nursing Home |
Texas City, Texas |
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Garner St. Nursing Home |
Pasadena, Texas |
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Hospice at the Texas Medical Center |
Houston, Texas |
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Manor Care Nursing Home |
Webster, Texas |
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Pointe Rehabilitation Center |
Webster, Texas |
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Darrington State Prison |
Rosharon, Texas |
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Ellis State Prison |
Huntsville, Texas |
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Estelle State Prison |
Huntsville, Texas |
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Lucille Plane State Jail |
Dayton, Texas |
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Hometown Opry |
Pasadena, Texas |
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League Park (His Song Ministires Gospel Evening) |
League City, Texas |
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Rotary Pavillion (BAGMA Showcase) |
Channelview, Texas |
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West Columbia Community Center |
West Columbia, Texas |
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Woosley's 50 Anniversary Party |
Sagemont Youth Bldg |
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Active Senior Living Center |
Houston, Texas |
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Bella Vita Retirement Community |
Houston, Texas |
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Parkway Place Asst. Living |
Houston, Texas |
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Regal Estates Retirement Center |
League City, Texas |
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Rosemont Assisted Living Community |
Houston, Texas |
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Terrace at Clear Lake |
Houston, Texas |
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Trinity Oaks Retirement Center |
Pearland, Texas |
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Village on the Park Assisted Living Community |
Friendswood, Texas |
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Waterford at Deer Park, The |
Deer Park, Texas |