WS Chronicle

During the years, the L&W Singers have praised God’s name singing gospel and inspirational songs with and without music, but usually without. 

The group, originally comprised of Annie Lancaster, Jannie Williams and Judy Williams, was formed on Saturday, March 10, 1990 and the three made their first appearance as the L&W Singers the following day on the evening program at Union Bethel A.M.E. Church.

Today, the group has brought on Sandra Barber, cousin to the Williams sisters, following the death of Lancaster in 2012.  They remain a family singing group, singing from their hearts, praising God.  From all accounts the late Lancaster was blessed with a beautiful soprano voice and was the lead singer of the group.  Her love of singing for God encouraged the group to accept many singing engagements.

On Sunday, May 21, the group celebrated its 27th anniversary at Faith Unity Missionary Church. The church holds its services in the chapel of the Masonic Lodge Prince Hall, 1025 E. 14th St.  The theme for the service was “God’s Not Dead, He’s Still Alive.” 

Carmen Russell Bonham of Russell’s Funeral Home was the emcee for the event.  The L&W singers kicked off the show with a selections of their own and were joined by The Pringle Brothers of Lake City, South Carolina.

The Williams sisters and Barber say they enjoy singing just as much now as when they initially started way back in 1990. 

“We just enjoy lifting up the name of Jesus and winning souls for Christ,” the group said.  “We sing from the heart and we are not professionals but we love singing for the Lord.”

The service included a prayer, Scripture reading and a brief history of the group and their journey to this point.  The Pringle Brothers then took the stage and performed a few selections.  Everyone in attendance seemed to highly enjoy themselves as they were all clapping and smiling throughout.

The ladies say they plan on continuing to sing as long as possible.  They sa, Lord willing, they will be able to do so for the foreseeable future.

“We don’t know how long we will be singing together as a group, I guess as long as the Lord allows us to,” Judy Williams said. 

Judy Williams says it was the late Lancaster’s’ idea to bring the group together in the first place.  After she passed in 2012, the group has continued to sing but she says it does not take on as many engagements as before due to their busy schedules. 

The group says they thank God for blessing them with 27 years of loving family members, dedicated friends and visitors who support them along their spiritual journey.