"I Have A Friend" (1990) Rev. F. C. Barnes & Company

This is track 2 from the 1990 album "Can't You See..." Piano: Luther Barnes Bishop Faircloth Barnes was the son of the late Mr. & Mrs. Sam Barnes of Rocky Mount, North Carolina. He was born June 22, 1929 in Nash Country. He was married to the late Mrs. Willie Hill Barnes. They had four sons: Samuel, Luther, Melvin and Tony. Bishop Barnes attended grammar school at Marks Chapel School in Nash Country. Like many young boys of his age, he wasn't able to attend school on a regular basic because he had to do farm work to help support a large family. He was the oldest of eleven children. At the age of fourteen he began singing in quartets. He joined Marks Chapel Baptist Church in Nash Country at the age of sixteen, where he played piano, directed and lead songs for the choir. During this time he also played for various church choirs in the area. The Lord called him to the ministry in 1955. He preached his trial sermon on June 22, 1955 on his twenty-six birthday. He went on to study Theology at United Christian College in Goldsboro, North Carolina and also at Hampton Institute in Hampton, Virginia. Through his ministry and singing he gained national and international acclaim. Along with Janice Brown, he recorded six LP's. The most outstanding being the ever popular "Rough Side of the Mountain". He has also appeared on several LP's with his son, Luther Barnes, Rev. F.C. Barnes and Company, which included his sister-in-law, Geraldine Barnes and her daughter Deborah Barnes, recorded an LP in 1989 entitled "Can't You See" Their second release, which included his daughter-in-law, Martha Barnes is entitled "God Delivered". "I Can't Make It" released in October, 1993 promised to be one of their best recording. On Sunday, May 8, 1994, the Gospel Music World was saddened by the sudden loss of sister Geraldine Barnes but with the help of God they continued to endure. In mid 1995, Atlanta International Records released a Live recording on Rev. F.C. Barnes, featuring Deborah Barnes and the Rev. Budd Combined Choir entitled "Rough Side". The ordination and consecration service for Dr. F.C. Barnes was held on June 3, 1997 by Bishop Harold Williams and Shirley Caesar. After that he was referred to as Bishop F.C. Barnes. Bishop Barnes was truly a highly respected "Man of God" and was sought after by many for his talent and wisdom. His music and his teaching will live on forever. Bishop F. C. Barnes died on July 11, 2011 at Pitt Memorial Hospital in Greenville, NC. He was 82 years old.