Difference between revisions of "Hearts of Praise"

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What is Hearts of Praise ?

Hearts of Praise bring to their listeners a blend of Contemporary Gospel Music with harmonies, guitars, bass, keyboard and flute. For the past 6 years this hard working Gospel group shares strong vocals, and lyrics that touch the soul. "Hearts of Praise" have opened the Canterbury Folk Festival on Sunday Morning for the past 3 years with a Worship & Praise Service with songs of conviction & expressions of God’s grace for the heart. Their music is uplifting as they proclaim God’s Gospel of Love to all His creation.

Besides Canterbury Folk Festival they can be found sharing their music in a variety of churches across South Western Ontario, the occasional concert performance with the Southern Gospel Group "The Torchmen" and other venues such as St Paul’s Anglican Cathedral in London for the Evangelism Conference in 2005.

FR Jim Carr formed "Hearts of Praise" in the summer of 2000 when he first arrived as parish priest at St James’ Anglican Church here in Ingersoll. Jim is a seasoned performer who started playing bass in high school, and has toiled ever since with rock n roll bands, country & folk bands and more recently Contemporary Gospel Music.

Lin Carr, Jim’s wife has sang with Hearts since the beginning and provides much of the fun & inspiration for the group. They are joined by their daughter Debby Lambert on vocals & harmony. As Fr Jim says: the family that praise together, stays together. Roger & Sharon Douthwaite have been friends of the Carr’s for three decades since meeting in Church. Roger & Jim formed a "Folk Group" in the 70's to provide contemporary music in church and have been friends ever since. Sharon adds her own particular flavour to the group as she adds the melodic and haunting sounds of her flute.

Carolin French is a well known Ingersoll musician and singer, having toiled with a jazz band, the infamous Empey Sisters, Ingersoll Choral Society and Hearts of Praise. Carolin is a fine keyboard player as well as adding her voice & gift of harmony to the music.

Susan Craddock is Carolin’s sister, and one of the Empey Sisters as well as a member of the Ingersoll Choral Society. Susan fills in at Canterbury Folk Festival each summer for the vacationing Fr Rich Jones.

One of our newer members to Hearts of Praise is another long time friend Paul Horton of Cambridge. Paul is an avid guitar player who has spent many years in the field plying his craft. Paul began playing in high school bands and played regularly in the Toronto / Wasaga Beach area during his younger years. Besides Hearts of Praise Paul is a regular at the Breslau Mennonite Church where he and his family worship.

Jim Gonder is a former teacher who has lived in Ingersoll for 22 years. He is active in the music program at St. James Anglican Church. In his spare time, Jim plays keyboard and banjo with several local groups, individuals and freelance solo keyboard work. Jim’s versatility at the keyboard and keen sense of humour ensure that Hearts of Praise don’t take themselves too seriously.

Fr. Rich Jones began his singing career in the boys choir at Holy Trinity Church in Thornhill. Rich says he was forced to take piano lessons at age 6 but now only plays for his own enjoyment. Rich’s musical talents include stints as lead singer in local musical theatre in Tillsonburg, writing a Christmas Carol and several other musical creations in the works. Fr Rich who sings tenor, is the priest at St John’s Anglican Church in Tillsonburg.

Contact Hearts of Praise

c/o Jim Carr
St. James Anglican Church
184 Oxford Street
Ingersoll, ON N5C 2V7

phone: 519-485-0385

e-mail