Restoration recognition

A local group of gospel musicians received an unexpected honor recently.
Central Virginia-based southern gospel group “Restoration” won the award for “Group of the Year 2008” at the Music City Gospel Showcase Convention and Awards Show at The Grand Hotel and Convention Center in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee.
Awards were given at the convention based on the results of online voting by the public.  Restoration took the stage each evening of this three-night event that was held June 12-14 and the program will air on Dish Network channel 266 in July. 
Restoration also had the privilege and opportunity to meet Ron Blackwood of the legendary Blackwoods, who along with his brother, R.W. Blackwood, Jr., received the Living Legends award at the convention.
Restoration calls the Ruckersville area home and all members of the group attend Solid Rock Full Gospel Church in Barboursville where group member, the Rev. Larry Morris is pastor.
Most of the group shared the stage 15 years ago, but they all took some time to pursue other aspects of their ministry and spend more time with their growing families.
“After much prayer and consideration, we realized it was God’s will for us to begin traveling and sharing his message through song once again,“ said Rachel Williams, who sings lead and harmony vocals.
She, her husband Michael and their two children live in Barboursville. Michael travels with the group and helps fund the ministry.
Becky Locklear sings lead and harmony vocals and her husband Rodney sings and plays several instruments. They live in Stanardsville with their newborn son.
The Rev. Larry Morris sings lead and harmony vocals. Larry and his wife Pam have five children and two grandchildren.
Rachel, Larry and Becky are siblings, and their parents, Roger and Barbara Morris travel with the group and are a big help with grandchildren. Barbara sings lead and harmony and plays several instruments. Roger plays acoustic guitar and sings.
“We decided on the name Restoration because it tells our story in one word. God has restored what once was and given it new life,“ she said.
“We were so shocked when we won Group of the Year,“ she said.
“We were outside the room when they were giving out awards. Michael said there was no point in going back inside. Then they started playing our song,“ she said.
“We are really excited about this. It is a blessing for sure,“ she said.
In addition to the album that won them the Group of the Year Award, the band currently has a new single out, entitled “Thanks to You.“
For more information on Restoration, see the web site RestorationMusic
Ministries.com.