Firm Foundation is an interesting name. How did it come about? Who came up with it? Introduce each member to us.
The name “Firm Foundation” comes from 2 Timothy 2:19 ‘But God's truth stands firm like a foundation stone’
When we first formed the group in 2002, coming up with a name was difficult. Giving credit where it’s due, one of our founding members, our then bass singer, who recently was the bass singer for The Journeymen before they disbanded, between the two of us, we came up with the name.
Our members include Chris Seigler, baritone, 20 years old from Maryville, TN. Chris is a student at the University of Tennessee. He is the youngest member we’ve ever had. His family travels with us some and they are a joy to have along. They are very supportive and we feel fortunate to be part of their family too. Andy Pursley, 36, our tenor, relocated to Owensboro from Springfield, Missouri. His daughter, Jessica, is a 7th grader at Owensboro Middle School. He and his wife just moved into a beautiful Victorian style house. We all love hanging out there and watching the TCT Network and especially Lavona’s cooking! Anthony Davis, bass, is 23 years old. He has been with Firm Foundation for over 2 years. He comes to us from Dyersburg, TN. The first time he ever stood in front of an audience to sing he was scared to death. It’s hard to believe that was only 2 years ago. These days, it’s hard to get him to be quiet! HA. Anthony is our tech guy and usually is the one who we go to when we have a sound issue. Then there is me, Steve Bridgmon, 30..something, I am the theatre instructor at Owensboro Middle School. I have a contemporary background. I am a former youth pastor and was a summer missionary in 1994 in Paonia, Colorado. I sing lead.
With the sound of Southern Gospel Music widening a bit, how do you describe the sound of Firm Foundation?
Our 2004 album, For Another Day, had a wide range of musical styles. We had everything from contemporary to traditional. When we started looking for music for the newest album “Good To Know”, we wanted to find songs which would expand our versatility even more. We’ve always had people tell us our sound is something they like, even though they never listened to Southern Gospel growing up.
You recently added a Bass singer to the group. What was the reasoning behind that move? How has it been received by the public?
Firm Foundation started out as a quartet back in 2002. I like to think as though Firm Foundation took a sabbatical when we went to being a trio. It was all in God’s plan for us to go back to being a quartet. We actually listened to the crowd, emails, etc. when deciding to add Anthony into the mix. Honestly, I think the decision weighed heavily on the idea that I wanted Anthony Davis to be part of this ministry, not of putting a bass singer back into Firm Foundation. The audience response has been overwhelmingly positive.
You recently recorded a new CD. Tell us about how exciting that was.
Everyone at Crossroads Music Group is amazing. Jeff Collins is the man when it comes to going into the studio and pulling 4 voices together. It took us a little longer to get this project on the shelves due to a personnel change, which seems to be a huge issue in Southern Gospel music. We kept putting it into God’s hands and He came through with a project above and beyond our expectations. Our first single was just released through The Rick Hendrix Company. We did lots of research when it came to picking songwriters and songs for this project. I think it’s paid off in the end. We’re very happy with the way it turned out.
Where is the most interesting venue that Firm Foundation has performed at?
One of our favorite venues is in our hometown at the Friday After Five: Gospel On The River. The facility is beautiful and we have lots of fun with our hometown folks. Probably the most interesting evenings we’ve ever had was on a dinner cruise boat in Panama City, Florida. We had just left the dock and people began eating, my stepmother has a gall bladder attack right in the middle of dinner. If you’ve ever had a gall bladder attack, most of you know it is not fun. Everything had to be put on hold for at least an hour to get her back to the dock and in an ambulance. I had to end up staying on the boat because Firm Foundation was scheduled to sing. She was in pain and we felt sorry for her but it all worked out in the end. Looking back now it’s funny, but it definitely was a traumatic moment for her.
Have the high fuel prices impacted how you travel?
Obviously, when gas prices go up, everyone is affected. We’re making some mechanical changes to accommodate the high price of fuel. God has always provided for us and never left us on the side of the road. We praise Him for that!
Are any of you married? How are the wives involved in your ministry?
Andy is married. His wife Lavona is the unofficial cook for Firm Foundation. She is a big help at the product table and helping make sure our suits don’t get too wrinkled. The rest of us are each involved in relationships, but so far no rings!
What does Firm Foundation do in their “off time” while on the road to keep them entertained? Is there someone in the group who has no problem entertaining himself? Is there someone who is bored no matter what the group is doing?
I love to play golf, something I don’t get to do often, Chris plays the drums with some friends and has a praise band, and Anthony is usually working on his car in his downtime. Andy loves his toys and electronics.
When we’re on the road traveling, we like to stop and see things we wouldn’t be able to ordinarily. For instance, we stopped in Mt. Airy, NC recently to see where Andy Griffith grew up. Some people may not enjoy this kind of thing, but we loved it. It was a Sunday afternoon so there wasn’t much open, but we took loads of pictures. One of our favorite things to do is visit radio stations. We love getting to know people. Andy is definitely the one who has no problem entertaining himself. It’s nothing for us to receive a text message about how much he enjoys cheese. I know, it doesn’t make sense, but it does to him. He is the practical joker. If you ever get a text message from someone named “George W.” and he wants you to return his call as soon as possible, it’s Andy.
What memory does the Firm Foundation want every audience to take home with them?
We made a commitment last year to never say ‘no’ to anyone who asks us to come and sing. This means ANYone… across the board. At the end of our program every night we ask each person to go to work, school, etc the next day, tell at least one person about Christ’s love and what He has done for them. There’s nothing like a personal testimony to touch another person’s heart. If we can tell a roomful of people to go tell about Jesus, then they go tell others about Him, and so on…hopefully we’ve been a beacon in the darkness for somebody. We may never know who that person is until we reach the Kingdom, but doing God’s work is why we are here. I think so many people lose sight of what being in ministry is about. I think we’ve all been guilty of that one time or another. Stay focused in the Word and He will continue His blessings.
http://www.firmfoundationonline.com
http://www.myspace.com/firmfoundationquartet
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Author: AGM
| Author's Website: http://absolutelygospel.com/
Written: 09/01/2006
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Category: Special Feature
Comments: 5
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Enjoyed the interview with Firm Foundation. My family and I were on the Panama City Dinner Cruise when Steve's stepmom had her gall bladder attack. Despite the medical emergency it was a GREAT evening! I have been able to enjoy them through their CDs since. Hopefully someday we can be with them in person again.
hi! I love Firm Foundation very much. They are a great quartet. I enjoyed the interview. I am glad to be from their home base. Donnita
Great interview. I have personally ministered on the platform with these guys and I know first hand that they not only have an awesome sound, but they walk what they say. They are true blue.
I am friends with all of these guys and all jokes aside, what you see is what you get. They are true ministers of the gospel and as talented as any quartet on the road today. God seems to be opening new doors for this group and their honest, passionate love of Christ is why. Check out their web site, go see them in concert, buy their CDs and support a ministry that is truly working for the Master!
Blessings guys. It was a blessing to see you all at NQC. You guys are great. Hope to see you all again soon.
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