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together to form their very own acappella gospel singing group. The Rev. Frank Paschall & the
Paschall Brothers. Under the guidance and direction of their father and with the help of God,
these young men have become one of the most unique and innovative singing groups in their
field today.
In 1984, the group was reformed after the departure of two of the five brothers. During this
turbulent time of transition, the group was blessed with the gifted voice of Renard Freeman.
Also a native of Norfolk, Freeman possessed the same drive and dedication of the group that
allowed God to continue to bless this ministry of song. At the time, the group consisted of Rev.
Frank Sr., Frank Jr. Tarrence, William and Renard Freeman. Since their existence, this group of
young men has been/ and are a blessing of encouragement to thousands upon thousands of
people all over the eastern seaboard.
Along with spreading Gods gospel through singing, these men devotion and down to earth
demeanor have afforded them the honor of performing with various artist. Such vocalists
include The Fairfield Four, Ralph Stanley & The Clinch Mt. Boys, John Jackson, and Cephas
and Wiggins some of the most noted performers in the folk art field in this present day.
The Paschall's have also been featured with many gospel talents such as the Grammy Award
winning Mighty Clouds of Joy, The Williams Brothers, The Five Blind Boys of Alabama and other
locally and nationally known recording artists.
In 1999, Rev. Frank Paschall, Sr., the patriarch, founder, and epitome of faithfulness, was called
home to rest and reward. This occurrence left the group without an intricate piece of machinery
that allowed the ministry to run smoothly by songs, prayer and the much needed advice in times
of instability. Undoubtedly devastated by this blow, the group sought comfort and motivation in
Rev. Paschall Sr.'s memory and God's care to carry on a legacy of spreading joy all over the
world; as the title of his favorite song proclaims, " We Are Going On With Jesus Just The Same."
The legacy of Rev. Frank Sr. could never really be replaced. However; in filling this void, the
group was blessed with the addition of Jonnie Lewis in 2000. The presence of Mr. Lewis
allowed the Paschall Brothers to continue singing in their standard "five-man lineup.
In September 2002, the Paschall Brothers were introduced to a young, dedicated keeper of the
folk art tradition, Jon Lohman. Mr. Lohman expressed his desire to keep the tradition of the
Paschall's "craft" alive and ongoing. He also persuaded the group to train younger persons to
carry on this distinctive form of folklore. However; The Paschall Brothers had no idea that the
trainees would be their own children, family member or friend. This blessing also opened the
door to the Paschall's spearheading an apprenticeship program sponsored by the Virginia
Foundation for the Humanities in Charlottesville, Virginia. The VFH also assisted the Paschall's
in making their current CD entitled "Songs For Our Father", in memory of Rev. Frank Paschall,
Sr.
The group has since restructured to accommodate the desired determination towards blessing
others through song. The departure of Mr. Lewis and Mr. William Paschall encouraged the
group to use the skilled voices of Tarrence Paschall Jr and Renard Freeman Jr. These two
young men, their fathers, Tarrence Sr., Renard Sr., and their uncle Frank Jr. currently make up
the structure of The Paschall Brothers.
In time of technology, contemporary music and digitations of sound, God has continued to
bless the Paschall Brothers to excel as a premier acappella singing group.
To God be the glory for the great things he has done.
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BLUE RIDGE HERITAGE ARCHIVE, FERRUM COLLEGE, FERRUM, VIRGINIA.)
