Pfeifers prepare to bless in song
Southern Gospel family brings eclectic sound to worship service
JEFFERSON CITY – Unknown to them, two men with a guitar and a mandolin in their hands in the 1930s began a ministry that would carry on throughout generations.
“Our grandfathers began traveling to camp meetings and tent revivals all across the state of Ohio,” said John and Candy Pfeifer. “There was a unique anointing on these two men, and God richly blessed each time they stood to sing… with their trusted handbook filled with more than 100 songs written by the two.”
Throughout the years, the flame was kept alive as Don Pfeifer traveled all over the country sharing the love of Jesus Christ at churches, camps, crusades, and wherever the opportunity presented itself. Don was the father of Candy Pfeifer, a sister of four older brothers. After growing up under these brothers she became an All-American high school basketball player, but this was not the real passion of her heart. After two years in college she decided to leave school to pursue this real passion, Gospel music.
Being eight years older than Candy, John Pfeifer was no stranger to the world of music. Each time he walks on stage audiences across the country stand to their feet to hear this talented musician. His personality and testimony have seen lives changed all over the country. At a young age he began playing the trumpet, a talent that earned him a scholarship to Ohio State University. Today he is recognized as one of Gospel Music’s most talented musicians, and in 2006 he was nominated as one of the top five favorite musicians by subscribers of Singing News Magazine. John and his wife, Glenda, are parents of three and grandparents of six.
Twice nominated for Female Vocalist of the Year, Mary Jane Carter, with her God-given talent, has a charisma about her that moves people to their feet. Making her home Washington Court House, Ohio, she enjoys spending time with her family when she’s not on the road. Being “on the road” is not new to Carter; she began singing on stage at the age of nine.
Behind the scenes in this musical family is Robert Dixon, who joined the Pfeifers in June of 2006 as production coordinator. Dixon, who is employed in Greenville, Ohio, began running sound at his local church at age 12. He and his wife, Kathy, keep very close ties with family and share a relationship with the Lord that results in a strong work ethic and warm personality.
The Pfeifers will be singing Oct. 30-31 at the 173rd annual meeting of the Missouri Baptist Convention (MBC) at Tan-Tar-A, Osage Beach. They will be doing three sets in the afternoon of Oct. 30 and leading congregational singing three separate times in the morning of Oct. 31.
Corporate Events Specialist for LifeWay Christian Stores David Hassell had nothing but wonderful things to say about the Pfeifers.
“I produce almost 90 events a year at LifeWay’s corporate headquarters,” Hassell said, “The Pfeifers showed us Jesus through their music, the teaching from God’s Word and their warm demeanor. Thank you, Pfeifers, for being so open to the Holy Spirit.”