The Old Ship of Zion - Ernie Phillips Celebration

Kevin Clark, Rick Jenkins, and myself (Jeff Runion) had the privilege of standing with many of the past and present Kingsmen Quartet/Land of The Sky Boys singing The Old Ship of Zion at Ernie Phillips Celebration Service yesterday. Greg Fox sang his dad, Eldredge’s, verse and after Ray sang his verse, Ernie, on tape, joined us with his verse. Wow! It was a really special way to honor the life of Ernie. Love these men and their desire to point others to Jesus!

[stephenatkison]

I am proud to say that I got to call Ernie friend, miss him every day but im looking forward to seeing him again in heaven. Brother squire Parsons also. I was honored to have been able to call him friend and both are brothers in Christ.

[lyndaschatz]

I just found this. I wasn't aware of Ernie's passing. What a wonderful song and celebration for him. Brought tears. Ernie was blessed with a great talent! Eric, his son, is so much like him and has that same epic voice... he is my favorite tenor. I miss hearing him sing.
RIP Ernie. I hope to sing with you in heaven.

[johntabler]

Brought the house down one last time Rest in peace Little Giant

[steveunderwoodgospel]

I just found this..OMG! I didnt know Ernie passed..But what a CELEBRATION..brought tears..What a grand homecoming we will all have soon

[dankeil]

I never got to see Ernie in a Concert. He was before I got to see the groups

[tylershoemaker]

I have legitimate goosebumps from Ernie's verse... what a perfect song to tribute to him.

[Goshin]

My sisters and I sang this for Mama as she passed. Thank you.

[timothygerber]

I just came upon this video, and I was very saddened to hear about Ernie Phillips passing .He was always to me, one of the most Powerful Tenors I ever heard .He didnt spare the horses, he let it go .My closest friend introduced me to Gospel Music and this is one of the Quartets that he let me hear.I was in my teens when i heard them .Down through the years, I had many opportunities to see the Southern Gospel Legends in concert .And when i was in my 20's, I had the Honor of meeting Ernie, when he was performing with the Southern Statesmen Quartet at The Colemans Park in Lebanon, Pennsylvania .I walked up to him and asked him if I could have his Autograph.Ernie was more than glad to oblige .I complemented him on his Tenor Singing, recollecting the first time i ever heard The Kingsmen Live "Naturally ".And i heard Ernie singing Love Lifted Me .I never heard anyone sing like that before .He was very touched and appreciative of my complement .I will never ever forget that moment or that day .Ernie Phillips was Truly Blessed with the talent of singing Tenor and for Ministering the Word of God through his music and God's Word .RIP Ernie, I'll miss you and will never forget you .You were an Inspiration to me .God Bless You .Sincerely Tim .

[kentankersley]

I MUST CONFFESS, THE TEARS CAME DOWN LISTENING TO THIS. I LOVED THE LITTLE GIANT.

[janetmartin]

We became instant Kingsmen fans when the first time we attended concert in 1981 Ernie was the hit of the concert with his dynamic tenor.Over the years we attended many concerts of theirs and many singers come and went they always maintained good lineups I am glad i had a meeting with Ernie when he came back to fill in RIP

[candicegolden]

Wow. I didn't even recognize some of the gentlemen. Especially Greg at first with the beard and all that hair. What a way to end the song .

[skrjer]

And the redeemed of the Lord say, Amen!!

[terryt]

That's so powerful to hear Ernie sing there.

[ericsills]

wow, Greg looks different. I have the video where Jim teases him about looking like Kato Kaelin :-D

[timothygerber]

In case you're wondering who's some of the other pants members of The Kingsmen quartet were in this video from what I've seen of the video I noticed the bass singer was Ray Dean Reese and I also saw one of the baritones Wayne Maynard and also I noticed the founder of The Kingsmen Eldridge Fox his son Greg Foxx was singing the first part of the song I believe he's the one that had the long Gray beard and the black rimmed glasses I also noticed Parker Jonathan when's on this performance and I believe many of the older members were the early members of The Kingsmen when they started in 1956 which I am sure is the year that The Kingsmen formed in Nashville North Carolina.

[neldajohnson]

Can someone name all on stage. I'm having trouble reconizing some of them.

[Mark-sjxb]

Man, Ray Dean can’t even sing anymore.