He has been singing since he was a little boy and he has been preaching for 48 years. One could call Eugene R. Thomason the singing preacher.For almost half a century, Thomason has been preaching. He continues to preach today although he is a retired pastor of 36 years. He was the pastor of several Baptist churches throughout Alabama and Florida including churches throughout St. Clair County.
What a lot of people might not know is that Thomason was a music minister before he became he moved into the pulpit.
"Years ago, before I answered the call to preach, I was a music director at a small church," Thomason said. "I really thought this was something I would really like to do, but the Lord thought different and wanted me to preach."
With that great love and interest for music, Thomason always had the opportunity to sing in the churches where he was pastor. He sang solos, duets and also participated in trios and quartets.
Thomason came to St. Clair County in 1963.
The longest tenure Thomason had at one church was Seddon Baptist Church in Pell City where he was pastor for nine years from April 1986 to April 1995, when he retired.
Although he is retired from the role as a pastor, Thomason still enjoys preaching whenever the opportunity comes up.
Several years ago, Thomason met pianist Jason Vaughn and Thomason fell in love with the way Vaughn played the piano.
"About a year ago, I decided I would like to make a tape with Jason ó me singing and him playing the piano," Thomason said. "We have become real good friends over the past few years."
Now, after all the sermons he wrote, Thomason has written a song and had it published.
Thomason said the Lord gave him the words and the tune to his new song he wrote, but he said he did not know enough about music to put all the notes down. That's where Vaughn stepped in to help.
The title of the song Thomason wrote is What a Wonderful Savior is Jesus.
"By allowing me to do this, I think the Lord has just extended my ministry here on Earth," Thomason said.
The song was published in May 2005 at the Gospel Heritage Music Company in Cleveland, Tenn., owned by Charles Towler. The song is the first one Thomason has had published but two more are already in Cleveland ready to be published. The titles of the other two songs are When You Believe in Jesus and The Blood that Jesus Shed.
Thomason has already penned some of the words to yet a fourth song that deals with the cross.
"I want my life to count for the Lord," Thomason said. "I do not want any recognition or praise for what I do. I want Him to get the glory. When I'm dead and gone, I hope people will enjoy singing these songs."
