Erin Presbyterian Church
200 Lockett Road • Knoxville, TN • 37919 • (865) 588-5350 • info@erinpresbyterian.org

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Glenfinnan

In 1995, a wee Scottish pastor came to Knoxville and turned his church upside down. Music, theater, dance and drama became important ministries in the church and people of all ages participated in the new groups which sprung up all over Erin.

Everything was going well, but the wee Scottish minister was homesick at times and needed to hear the songs of the auld country. So he started a praise band called Glenfinnan, named after the hallowed place where Bonnie Prince Charlie raised his banner which began the ill-fated Jacobite rebellion of 1745.

Over the years, the band has practiced and played many Scottish tunes, as well as writing, composing and developing contemporary Christian songs. The music is unique and the presentation is a wonderful blessing to audiences of all ages.

Who are the members of Glenfinnan?

• Mike Bilbrey - lead guitar
• David Cowen - bass guitar & vocals
• Joe Jaynes - drums, percussion & vocals
• Susan Miller - keyboard & vocals
• John Stuart - rhythm guitar & vocals

What does Glenfinnan play?

Glenfinnan is very versatile and offers programs to suit its audiences. In churches, Glenfinnan plays a mixture of original Christian material with some Scottish songs thrown in for good measure. At community events, the band presents mostly Scottish sets. At Highlands Gatherings and Celtic Festivals, the band plays and sings songs which brighten up the whole celebration.

From original material, Glenfinnan presents the Gospel through songs which reflect Christ’s story and the realities of being faithful in today’s world. In churches, the band usually kicks off a set with the upbeat song Priority, followed by the two Easter ballads Last Night & Loser's Lullaby. The set builds strength musically through the hard-driving songs Liberator, Reckoning & Vision Warrior.

Scottish sets contain some of the most beautiful love songs and ballads ever written. These include Kelvin Grove, Dumbarton's Drums, O My Love and the ever popular Loch Lomond. As each song is sung, the story behind it is told, giving the audience a much-appreciated history lesson about the material.

At the end of each performance, Glenfinnans play two special numbers. One is the well known Auld Lang Syne and the other is an original composition, Sweet Tennessee.

Where have they played?

• Dogwood Arts Festivals in Market Square, Fountain City and Concord Park, Knoxville
• New City Cafe
• Fountain City Presbyterian Church
• Music on the Porch Festival
• Knoxville Scottish Society
• Gatlinburg Highland Games
• John Knox Center
• Bearden United Methodist Church
• Community Barbecues
• Special Anniversaries
• Fat Tuesday celebrations
• etc.

John Stuart also sang Sweet Tennessee at the opening of the 100th General Assembly of the TN State Legislature in the Capitol building in Nashville.

What can they do for us?

Glenfinnan can brighten up any community or mission event, any celebration or outreach activity. The band is ideally suited for ‘Boomer’ events, coffee houses and social gatherings. Their music is of the hand-clapping, toe-tapping variety, as well as the emotionally charged love songs and ballads that are both a part of the Scottish heritage and contemporary songs that they compose and play.

How can I contact them?

Contact John Stuart, the wee Scottish pastor at Erin Presbyterian Church. He can be reached at 865-588-5350. Or you may email the band at glenfinnan@erinpresbyterian.org.

Glenfinnan does not charge for performances. A love offering at each event is received to help defray equipment and transportation costs.