The Mississippi based Christianairs were renamed Gold Ci… Read Full Bio ↴Early Years
The Mississippi based Christianairs were renamed Gold City in Dahlonega, Georgia at the stroke of midnight on New Yearβs Eve to begin the year 1980 with Dallas Gilliland singing bass, tenor Bob Oliver, lead singer Jerry Ritchie, and baritone Ken Trussell. The group owner was initially Floyd Beck. Bass singer Tim Riley would replace Gilliland as the permanent bass singer in July of that same year after the group's relocation to Gadsden, Alabama. The group was an instant success in the industry, appearing on the main stage of the National Quartet Convention in October 1981. By 1982, tenor Brian Free, lead Ivan Parker, and pianist Garry Jones had joined Riley to form a consistent nucleus that remained together until the mid-1990s. Their recordings of upbeat tunes like βI Think Iβll Read It Againβ and inspirational songs like βNo Other Word For Grace But Amazingβ and βMidnight Cryβ catapulted the group into the upper ranks of Southern Gospel. The last recording by this popular lineup was the critically acclaimed Acapella Gold (1993).
The 1990s
After the departure of Free, Jones and Parker, baritone, Steve Lacey took over lead duties, while Mark Trammell became baritone, and Jay Parrack became tenor. Lacey left to join The Kingdom Heirs. David Hill became lead singer for a while. His departure lead to the next consistent lineup for the group which included Jonathan Wilburn singing lead, Mark Trammell singing baritone, and Jay Parrack on tenor. Over the years, the group developed a trademark style that relied on brass heavy arrangements for their more driving songs and moving lyrics for their inspirational anthems.
Recent History
The last few years have brought a period of change and transition to this legendary quartet. Many personnel changes in the front line, as well as the breakup of the Band of Gold have given a new look, as well as a new sound to the group. The most notable, and tragic change occurred in 2006, when Doug Riley, who co-managed Gold City (in addition to playing drums before taking over running the sound when the group streamlined their operations),was killed in an auto accident on the way to the recording studio early in the morning of January 31, after not being able to sleep.
In March 2006, bass singer Bill Lawrence (who had been hand picked by former bass, Tim Riley) left the group. Tim Riley filled in for several months while the search for a replacement was underway. Aaron McCune, who at the time was the bass singer with the Palmetto State Quartet, joined Gold City in May 2006. McCune brings to Gold City the trademark smoothness and deep range that has long been a standard for this quartet.
In February 2007, it was announced that the group had returned to The Beckie Simmons Agency from The Harper Agency. Beckie Simmons, while at Century II and her own agency, has handled the quartet's bookings for the majority of its existence.
Full Gold City Discography
* 1981 First Day In Heaven
* 1981 We Believe
* 1981 Sing Golden Nuggets
* 1981 Songs Of Days Gone By
* 1982 I've Got A Feeling
* 1982 Gold City: Live
* 1983 I Think Iβll Read It Again
* 1983 Hymns Sung By The Gold City Quartet
* 1983 Higher Than The Moon
* 1984 or 1984 Walking With Jesus
* 1984 Walk On
* 1985 Sing With The Angels
* 1986 Gold City Gold
* 1986 Double Take: Live
* 1986 Your Favorite Hymns
* 1986 Top Hits Volume 1
* 1986 Top Hits Volume 2
* 1987 Favorites Volume 1
* 1987 Favorites Volume 2
* 1987 Favorites Volume 3
* 1987 Movinβ Up
* 1988 Portrait
* 1988 Voices Of Christmas
* 1989 Chartbreakers Volume 1
* 1989 Chartbreakers Volume 2
* 1989 Favorite Hymns Volume 2
* 1989 Goinβ Home
* 1990 Windows of Home
* 1990 Instrumentals Volume 1
* 1990 Indiana Live
* 1990 Favorites Volume 4
* 1990 Chart Breakers Volume 3
* 1991 Super 70βs Gospel Hits Vol. 1
* 1991 Super 70βs Gospel Hits Vol. 2
* 1991 Super 70βs Gospel Hits Vol. 3
* 1991 10 Year Celebration
* 1991 Answer The Call
* 1992 Kings Gold
* 1992 Masters of the Gospel
* 1992 Pillars of Faith
* 1993 Kings Gold 2
* 1993 Acapella Gold
* 1993 Requested Hymns Volume 1
* 1993 Requested Hymns Volume 2
* 1993 Requested Hymns Volume 3
* 1994 Renewed
* 1994 Lord Do It Again
* 1994 Classics
* 1994 Kings Gold 3
* 1995 Standing In The Gap
* 1996 Kings Gold 4
* 1996 Having Fun
* 1996 Preparing The Way
* 1997 What A Great Lifestyle
* 1997 Home For The Holidays
* 1998 The Collection
* 1998 Within The Rock
* 1999 Signed, Sealed, Delivered
* 1999 Amazing Grace: A Hymn Collection
* 2000 20th Anniversary Celebration: Vol. 1
* 2000 20th Anniversary Celebration: Vol. 2
* 2000 Are You Ready?
* 2000 Through The Years
* 2001 Pressed Down, Shaken Together, Running Over
* 2002 The Very Best of Gold City
* 2002 Camp Meetin'
* 2003 Walk the Talk
* 2003 24K Gold
* 2003 Pillars of Faith/Acapella (Double Album Reissue)
* 2003 A Gold City Christmas
* 2004 First Class
* 2005 Heaven
* 2006 Gold City - Their Best
* 2006 Revival
* 2007 Classics Volume 2 (unofficial title, upcoming release featuring new cuts of Gold City standards
* 2008 Moment of Truth
GOD
Gold City Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
An underdog to the feat of men
God's building a church on the rise
We've been trampled on in the heat of the fight
This church has got eternal bright
It's almost time for church to fly
God's building a church (and I'm so glad that...)
God's building a church
It's gonna march like a mighty army man
God's building a church
It'll be water to the dry and barren land
God's building a church
It's gonna rise from a valley of dead dry bones
Sanctified
Glorified
Filled with the holy ghost?s power and might
Purified with fire divine
God's building a church
On Calvary's tree it started there
He handed it down to the hands of men
God's building a church on the rise (and I like this...)
Satan's about to run in fright
As the saints of God in glorious might
We raced across the enemy lines
With holy banners wavin' high
God's building a church
It's going to march like a mighty army man
God's building a church
It'll be water to the dry and barren land
God's building a church
It's gonna rise from a valley of dead dry bones
Sanctified
Glorified
Filled with the holy ghost?s power and might
Purified with fire divine
God's building a church
And it'll be sanctified glorified, sanctified glorified, sanctified glorified
Filled with the holy ghost?s power and might
Purified with fire divine
God's building a church
(Ooooh...)
God's building a church
It's gonna march like a mighty army man
God's building a church
It'll be water to the dry and barren land
God's building a church
It's gonna rise from a valley of dead dry bones
Sanctified
Glorified
Filled with the holy ghost?s power and might
Purified with fire divine
God's building a church
(We're gonna be...)
Santified
Glorified
Filled with the holy ghost's power and might
Purified with fire divine
God's building a church (He's building a church)
The lyrics to Gold City's song "God's Building A Church" convey a sense of hope and triumph for the church. The song acknowledges that the church has historically been deemed an underdog compared to the feats of men. However, the song emphasizes that God is building a church that will be an unstoppable force, a mighty army that will overcome any obstacle. The church mentioned in the song is described as eternal and bright, with the power to bring water to dry and barren lands. The church will rise from a valley of dead dry bones, sanctified and glorified, filled with the Holy Ghost's power and might, and purified with divine fire. The song concludes with the repeated refrain of God building a church that will be sanctified, glorified, filled with the Holy Ghost's power and might, and purified with divine fire.
Line by Line Meaning
For much too long the church has been
The church has been underestimated by people for a long time
An underdog to the feat of men
The church has been overshadowed by the achievements of men
God's building a church on the rise
God is working to create a successful, growing church
We've been trampled on in the heat of the fight
The church has been treated poorly during times of conflict
This church has got eternal bright
The church's future is bright and everlasting
It's almost time for church to fly
The church is ready to expand and soar to new heights
God's building a church (and I'm so glad that...)
God is constructing a church, and the songwriter is happy about it
God's building a church
God is creating a church
It's gonna march like a mighty army man
The church will grow and become powerful
It'll be water to the dry and barren land
The church will bring restoration and life to the world
It's gonna rise from a valley of dead dry bones
The church will emerge from challenging situations and overcome obstacles
Sanctified
Made pure and holy
Glorified
Honored and praised
Filled with the holy ghost?s power and might
The church will be empowered by the Holy Spirit
Purified with fire divine
The church will be cleansed and strengthened by God's divine power
On Calvary's tree it started there
The church was founded through Jesus Christ's sacrifice on the cross
He handed it down to the hands of men
Jesus entrusted the church to be led and maintained by human leaders
Satan's about to run in fright
Satan will be afraid of the church's strength and ability to overcome evil
As the saints of God in glorious might
The followers of God will become powerful and victorious
We raced across the enemy lines
The church will boldly engage with those who oppose their message
With holy banners wavin' high
The church will proudly declare their message of hope and love
Sanctified
Made pure and holy
Glorified
Honored and praised
Filled with the holy ghost?s power and might
The church will be empowered by the Holy Spirit
Purified with fire divine
The church will be cleansed and strengthened by God's divine power
Santified
Made pure and holy
Glorified
Honored and praised
Filled with the holy ghost's power and might
The church will be empowered by the Holy Spirit
Purified with fire divine
The church will be cleansed and strengthened by God's divine power
God's building a church (He's building a church)
God is constructing a church
Lyrics Β© BMG Rights Management, Capitol CMG Publishing
Written by: SANDRA KNIGHT
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
JC B
Tim Riley is a monster bass for sure. But honestly I listen to this song mostly for Jay Parrack. Few tenors have this goosebump potential.
Mark
Pull up the video of GC singing βIn Time, On Time, Every Timeβ off this same recording session. Jay sings lead on that song and goes into the stratosphere with authority. He also gets an βIβm not worthyβ bow of praise from Sandi Patty at the end
Extreme OCD
I love Jay but......Brian Free was my "goosebump" creator! :) Talk about a clear tenor voice!!!
Big Boss Man
Jay, along with his Daddy, both!!!! π€
Shane Dougharty
WORD!!!! EVERYTHING YOU'VE SAID IS TRUE!!!! TIM IS MY ROLE MODEL N JAY IS MY FAVOURITE TENOR
Charlotte Schreffler
I like them all, but I love the Bass, and the tall blond brother, Tenor. God Bless them all. Are they still living in 2023? πβ£οΈβ£οΈβ£οΈβ£οΈ. The band too. π Charlotte in Oregon
Jeff Parker
One of the best quartets to ever grace the stage ,strongest 4 part vocal in quartet history
Van PastorMan
I always remember Gold City when they had Ivan Parker and I can't remember the Tenor's name. They were a hoot.
Mark
The tenor was the great Brian Free, in my opinion the greatest SG tenor that has stood the test of time, singing a demanding high tenor part for over 40 years without major vocal problems. In fact his voice quality has actually improved over the years.
I love Jay as well. His style allowed GC to explore a slightly different style of music, a bit more brassy that Brianβs voice wouldnβt have pulled off as well. It was this lineup that was in place at the time I became interested in southern gospel, and it was the 2000 NQC recording of βGet up, Get Readyβ that hooked me on these guys. I didnβt discover the Brian, Ivan, Mike combo until later. Love them all.
Douche Disser Records
@Mark I dunno. Young Danny Funderburk was SICK!