History of The Gospel Barn

1955

Everett Wirick purchased his saxophone from Coldwater Music Store.

1957

Everett purchased front 6 acres at 475 Bankers Road from Wally Houtz for $1,000.

1960

Everett, being a builder by trade, began construction of the home at 475 Bankers Road.

September 1961

Another approximately 25 acres was purchased from Wally Houtz.

1962-63

Home was completed.

1965

Palm Sunday tornado rips through the wooded area surrounding the home. The home remained virtually undamaged, but the wooded property was destroyed.

March 1966

Everett’s first wife, Letha, passes away.

June 1967

Everett married Margaret Frager.

“Margaret was an accomplished pianist and a wonderful personality. Her talents, along with Everett’s abilities on his saxophone, led them to a honeymoon in Renfro Valley, Kentucky, where they performed. It was at this time that the idea of the Gospel Barn began to take shape.”

September 1970

Theater seats were purchased for the Barn at a cost of $252.

October 1970

Ground was leveled for construction of the Gospel Barn.

April 1971

Logs were hauled to the mill for the Barn.  Everett continued building the facility. Occasionally, he would have some help in his work.

1974

Construction on the Gospel Barn was completed.

June 22, 1974

DEDICATION SERVICE for The Gospel Barn.

July 6, 1974

Records show the first group to appear in concert was the Union City Singers.

1976

The camping area was completed.

1978

Current house band singer/guitar player, Norm Keesler, begins performing at The Barn.

November 1978

Gospel Barn Music Incorporated was formed.

1980

Contributions were received to help pay for the addition to the west end of the auditorium.

1982

Addition to the west end of The Barn was completed before concert season begins.

Early 1980's

A live concert album was made at The Gospel Barn.

September 1984

Everett and Margaret received a four page letter from grandson, Scott Wiley, telling them of his desire and interest to run The Gospel Barn someday. Scott was in the 10th grade.

1986

New piano was purchased for The Barn.

1987

Scott Wiley moves from Florida following graduation from high school.

Fall of 1987

Scott Wiley was added to the Gospel Barn property and corporation.  “This would prove to be vital in the next year due to the process involving the estate of Everett Wirick.”

1987-88

(WINTER-OFF SEASON) Everett installs insulation in the ceiling of the auditorium. This would be his final project.

February 12, 1988

Everett & Margaret are suddenly and tragically killed in an automobile accident while visiting in Avon Park, Florida.

Spring 1988

Scott Wiley, along with his parents Charles & Norma Wiley and sister Sandy, come back to Michigan to prepare for the upcoming concert season.  Ken Kurtz, Dave Tuckey, Norm Keesler and Nan May are asked to be Emcee and house band for The Barn.

April 30, 1988

Memorial Service held at The Barn for Everett & Margaret Wirick.

November 18, 1989

Scott Wiley & Rebecca Nafziger are married.

July 27, 1991

500th CONCERT was held at The Gospel Barn with the Gospel Harmony Boys.

December 20, 1993

Nathan Everett Wiley was born to Scott & Rebecca.

1995-96

Completely new restroom facility was constructed in time for the 1996 concert season.

May 17, 1997

Katherine Joann Wiley was born to Scott & Rebecca.

June 1-8, 1998

Balcony renovation completed--adding and improving the seating area.

June 20, 1998

25th ANNIVERSARY CONCERT

Spring 1999

New sound system was installed in the auditorium.

Fall 2000

New roof was put on The Gospel Barn.

July 2003

Air conditioning was installed in The Gospel Barn auditorium.

Fall 2004 - Spring 2005

New parking lot lights are installed and additional lighting was added around the barn.

June 10, 2006

1000th CONCERT was held at the Gospel Barn with the Rick Webb Trio.

November 2007

Driveway was widened to accommodate a left-hand turn lane.

July 10, 2010

Ground Breaking Ceremony for Auditorium Addition.

July 12, 2010

Constructions began on the Auditorium Addition.

“Obviously friends, only the Lord knows what the future holds.”