By By Adrienne McKenzie
Atmore First Assembly of God had a Homecoming celebration to remember Sunday night when The Martins rolled into town.
The church family honored 71 years of worship and invited Southern gospel group The Martins to entertain and worship with the crowd.
The Martins consists of three siblings, Judy Martin Hess, Joyce Martin and Jonathan Martin. They have traveled across the United States performing since they were young children. They have collected six Dove awards and also a Grammy nomination. They have performed in Bill Gaither's Homecoming video and also for President George Bush. Although they have performed in many different environments, Joyce Martin said she enjoys coming to small towns like Atmore to perform.
"When we perform in churches we can tell more of our story," Joyce Martin said. "We get to see everyone and I feel like it's more effective when they can feel what is in our hearts."
The First Assembly audience got to hear first-hand The Martins' hits including, "The Promise," "Standing on the Promises," "So High" and energetic "Joshua Fit the Battle of Jericho."
After the performance, The Martins fellowshipped with the First Assembly crowd, signing autographs and selling CDs and Joyce Martin said that is one of her favorite things about performing in smaller areas.
"We love to sing, but we love the visiting as well," she said.
Joyce Martin said the First Assembly of God crowd was a joy to sing for.
"The people were really active," she said. "Everybody was smiling and that makes it easier to sing. And everybody was so friendly at the fellowship afterwards."
First Assembly of God pastor, the Rev. Don Davis, said having The Martins celebrate the church's homecoming with the congregation was a treat.
"This is the first time we've ever had this group in the Atmore First Assembly church," he said. "We're so excited to have them. It's a joy to welcome The Martins."
Davis said in celebration of Homecoming, the church also had a dinner after the morning service.
"We had a dinner after church this morning," he said. "And we chose The Martins because someone had shared with us about this very energetic group and they had an opening so they came to be with us."
The Martins were not the only singing entertainment for the night. The Atmore First Assembly of God choir also performed before welcoming the Southern gospel group.
The Martins have many CDs available for purchase. To purchase a Martins CD or for more information about the Southern gospel group, visit www.martinsonline.com.