Hundreds Attend Smoky Mountain Gathering
Gatlinburg, TN—Senior adults from across the country came together at the Gatlinburg Convention Center for the annual Smoky Mountain Gathering April 27-30, 2026.
The popular event included all the favorites that have attracted delegates for many years, including a service celebrating the hymns of the Red back, a banquet for retired ministers and widows, a breakfast and service honoring military veterans, and lots of fellowship.
Another popular aspect of the Gathering is the all-day Talent Showcase. Here, the seniors competed in categories similar to Teen Talent, such as drama, writing, art, and several levels of vocal, choral, and instrumental music. “Celebrities” included Crystal Russell – as “Claudine” – and Danny Murray who served as emcee and director for the singspiration service on Tuesday night. That service included a complimentary special printing of the chorus book, “Songs We Love to Sing.”
Ernie Haase and Signature Sound perform at Smoky Mountain Gathering (click photo to enlarge)
On Wednesday night the Gathering delegates were treated to an extended concert with Ernie Haase and Signature Sound, a well-known gospel quartet. The group presented a powerful package of gospel and patriotic numbers which was received with thunderous applause and standing ovations. Following the concert, General Overseer Gary Lewis and his wife, Lori, greeted the audience and unveiled a program of concentrated prayer between now and the General Assembly. The Lewis’ outlined a four-faceted plan of prayer points that included family leaders, church, and harvest. Every delegate received an information card and a “stone” to emphasize the focus entitled “Living Stones.”
“I can’t think of another more effective group to kick off this program than the people in this room,” Lewis stated. “We rely on your prayers and need them daily. We feel your prayers and everyone who will join us in this initiative.” Lewis invited the delegates to be some of the first to join Living Stones by texting PRAYER to 423-370-9111.
The Smoky Mountain Gathering closed on Thursday morning, April 30 with a service honoring veterans, and a message from David Smith, pastor of Oak Park Church in Mobile, Alabama. The service was followed by an exciting awards ceremony for the Talent Showcase where dozens of trophies were distributed for first and second place in drama, art, creative writing, and music.
Seniors are invited to make plans for next year’s SMG set for April 27-29, 2027. For more information, visit smokymountaingathering.com. Immediately following the close of SMG, the Youth and Discipleship Department will host Smoky Mountain Kidfest at the Gatlinburg Convention Center from May 1-3, 2026.
