Gospel Award Winner Luther Barnes to Headline Fifth Annual Gospel Fest in New Bern

Tried By Fire, Inc. is thrilled to bring the Fifth Annual Gospel Fest back to New Bern, NC, for another year of community celebration. The concert will take place on Saturday, April 26, 2026, from 6:00 to 8:00 pm at Temple Church, 1500 Kingdom Way, within the main sanctuary. Admission is complimentary, though guests are encouraged to reserve tickets by visiting www.TriedByFireInc.org/events. Donations given freely are welcomed and deeply appreciated.
Robert Brock, event coordinator, shared, “We’re excited to announce our Title Sponsors this year: Craven Arts Council & Gallery/Bank of the Arts, Dorsey Associates LLC, and BSH Home Appliances.” He added, “Baker’s Kitchen joins as a Silver Sponsor, while Tidewater Appliance and Craven County Independent Insurance Agents Association serve as Bronze Sponsors. We also extend our gratitude to Dr. Ken & Ellen Chance for supporting us as Key Sponsors for Gospel Fest 2026.”
The theme, Grace Amazing, highlights the Five C’s—Community, Collaboration, Cohesiveness, Camaraderie, and Commission—as guiding principles. Tried By Fire, Inc. acknowledges the outstanding support from Craven Community College and Temple Church, whose partnership has made this year’s gathering possible.
Rev. Luther Barnes, a renowned pastor and celebrated Gospel performer from Rocky Mount, NC, will headline the event. His accolades include a Stellar Award and Grammy and Dove award nominations. Bonita Burney Simmons, New Bern’s own acclaimed Gospel artist, will energize the evening with her signature opening performance. The Craven Community Combined Church’s Choir, representing various local congregations, is also among the featured guests.
This year's Gospel Fest includes a Gospel Workshop, inviting singers and musicians to join professional performers on Friday, April 25, from 5:30 to 7:30 pm, and collaborate with the Combined Church’s Choir. Interested participants for the Gospel Fest Super Choir segment should call Robert Brock at 252-637-2339 to register. Bonita Simmons, CEO of Tried By Fire, Inc., remarked, “New Bern's Gospel Fest 2026 is more than simply a musical event. It brings together faith, fellowship, and service to foster lasting change. Over two meaningful days, we’ll demonstrate how Grace Amazing comes alive through purposeful collaboration—building unity, friendship, and fulfilling our commitment to service.”
Gospel Fest 2026 furthers Tried by Fire Inc.’s mission of building community by uniting churches and individuals during the concert as part of the Combined Church’s Choir. It also serves as the signature fundraiser supporting safe housing and services for justice-involved women at My Sister’s House in New Bern. Though the fundraising aim is $15,000 for this anniversary, the concert remains free to honor the fifth year and this year’s theme, welcoming everyone to share in the experience. 
Free admission is available, but advanced registration is recommended due to limited seats, with tickets distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. Tickets can be reserved online at www.TriedByFireInc.org/events or by scanning the flyer’s QR code. Voluntary contributions are encouraged from those who attend and wish to help women rebuilding their lives at My Sister’s House after incarceration. All donations to Tried By Fire, Inc., a recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofit, are tax-deductible and formally acknowledged. Checks may be addressed to Tried By Fire, Inc. and sent to P.O. Box 12691, New Bern, NC 28561, or donations made online. For additional information and a virtual tour of My Sister’s House, visit Triedbyfireinc.org or www.youtube.com/watch?v=K45oXEzNnr4&t=4s.
 "Gospel Fest. What a name! Nothing is more worthy of celebration than the Gospel—nothing else compares. This annual event offers Catholics and Christians from across the region a chance to unite and rejoice, all in support of an inspiring cause that embodies gospel values,” shared Temple Church Pastor Keith Whitfield.
Bonita Simmons noted, "With our busy schedules and responsibilities, coming together is easier said than done—but when people dedicate their time and talent, this year’s concert truly becomes GRACE AMAZING!" She expressed heartfelt gratitude for the continued support from the community.