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Blackwood Quartet to perform 'The Gospel Side of Elvis'
Blackwood Quartet
Today, Mark Blackwood fronts The Blackwood Quartet and continues the tradition of his family and their association with Elvis Presley.
Submitted report
Effingham Herald
Published: Jan 23, 2020, 4:24 PM

SPRINGFIELD -- The incredible songs, the amazing stories, the history of a legend will all come to the stage in "The Gospel Side of Elvis," starring the Blackwood Quartet. 

Two shows are scheduled at the Mars Theatre on Feb. 8. Tickets are still available for the 2 p.m. show but the 7 p.m. show is sold out (call to be placed on the wait list). Tickets can be purchased at www.marstheatre.com, Springfield City Hall, theatre box office or call 912-754-1118.

The year was 1934. Brothers Roy, Doyle and James Blackwood, along with Roy’s son R.W., formed what was to become the most beloved and respected gospel group of all time, The Blackwood Brothers Quartet. This quartet went on to be featured on several TV shows, including "Barbara Mandrell and the Mandrell Sisters," the beloved American classic "Hee Haw" and the prestigious "Arthur Godfrey Talent Show" in 1954. 

A few weeks later that same year, tragedy struck when two members of the group, R.W. Blackwood and Bill Lyles, were killed in a plane crash. After the accident, many fans and critics alike believed that the quartet would not be able to go forth. However, as fate would have it, R.W.’s youngest brother, Cecil Blackwood, joined the group along with the bass singer, J.D. Sumner, silencing any doubts the public had about the quartet continuing to be a force in gospel music.

Cecil Blackwood was a childhood friend of Elvis Presley. They attended Sunday school together and formed their first gospel quartet called "The Songfellas" long before Elvis went on to become the King of Rock 'n Roll. The association between the two families was lifelong. 

In 1958, Elvis sent a plane to North Carolina and brought the Blackwoods to sing at his mother’s funeral. James Blackwood would sing "How Great Thou Art" at Elvis' Funeral.

Cecil Blackwood’s son, Mark, joined his family in the Blackwood Brothers Quartet in 1986. He sang lead for many years alongside his dad, Cecil, and many other talented singers. 

Today, Mark Blackwood fronts The Blackwood Quartet and continues the tradition of his family and their association with Elvis Presley. "In The Gospel Side of Elvis," the group performs Presley’s personal favorites, including "Amazing Grace," "You’ll Never Walk Alone" and "Crying In The Chapel."

The Blackwood family has received nine Grammy Awards and is in the Grammy Hall of Fame, the Memphis Music Hall of Fame, the Nashville Music Hall of Fame, the Southern Gospel Music Hall of Fame and many more!

 Bill Gaither said, "The Blackwood name is the best-known name in gospel music worldwide."

The group tours regularly and brings the word of Christ through song to both believers and non-believers.

Tickets are also on sale for other 2020 shows; magician/ventriloquist/illusionist Andy Gross (April 25), The Ladies of Soul (Aug 15) and Jim Curry Presents the Music of John Denver (Sept. 24). 

Visit www.marstheatre.com to learn more about these shows and upcoming movie schedules.
Effingham County to Vote Tuesday on $60 Million Budget with Tax Rollback and Major Projects
Effingham budget
Paul Kasko
Updated: Jun 16, 2025, 1:35 PM
Published: Jun 16, 2025, 1:36 PM

SPRINGFIELD, Ga. – Effingham County is proposing an 18% increase to its fiscal year 2026 budget, largely driven by infrastructure spending through sales taxes, while simultaneously rolling back its millage rate to ease the burden on taxpayers.

Effingham County Finance Director Mark Barnes presented the $9 million increase during the Board of Commissioners' first reading of the budget on June 3 — a discussion-only session with no vote taken. Despite the sharp budget growth from $51 million to $60 million, Barnes emphasized that the increase stems from planned capital investments, not operational spending, and that the general fund remains balanced with healthy reserves.

Next Steps

The budget will be up for further discussion and possible adoption at the next commissioners meeting, scheduled for 7 p.m. Tuesday, June 17 at the Effingham County Administrative Complex, 804 S. Laurel St., Springfield. The public is invited to attend.   

Key Takeaways 

Budget Growth and Capital Funding

  • The proposed 2026 budget increases by approximately $9 million (18%), primarily due to transfers to capital projects funded through SPLOST (Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax) and TSPLOST (Transportation Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax) approved by voters.

  • About $7 million in fund balance reserves will be used to support major projects — part of a multi-year savings strategy.

  • Overall, $192 million is designated for capital projects, including $71 million for roads, $40 million for water treatment facilities and $17 million for parks.

  • Key capital projects include a new wastewater treatment plant at Low Ground Road and a water treatment plant near McCall Road. Extensive road improvements include the widening of Goshen and Old Augusta roads, six roundabouts and 60 miles of road resurfacing. Ongoing park upgrades include Phase 2 of the Clarence E. Morgan Complex.

  • Barnes noted that while the budget is larger, the increase reflects targeted, long-term investments, not expanded day-to-day operations.

General Fund and Fiscal Stability

  • The general fund supports core services like the sheriff’s office, emergency medical services, courts, and elections.

  • Even with fund balance usage, reserves remain above policy minimums — a sign of sound financial planning, Barnes said.

  • The general fund includes $8 million in transfers to capital project accounts, plus funds for employee raises and new hires.

Millage Rate and Tax Relief

  • County millage rate proposed to roll back by 3%, from 5.596 to 5.428.
    “Residents are actually paying less county taxes for their primary residence than they did five years ago,” Tim Callanan, Effingham County manager, said.

  • The rollback ensures homestead taxable values increase by no more than 3%, stabilizing tax bills for property owners.

  • 28% decrease in the millage rate over five years, outpacing the 14% reduction required to match assessed value growth.

Personnel and Staffing Investments

  • 18.47 new full-time equivalent positions proposed for 2026.

    • At least nine are public service employees, Including two school resource officers, six firefighters, and an additional employee for emergency management.

  • 7% increase in the general fund personnel budget, including:

    • 3% cost-of-living adjustment for each county employee

    • 2% for merit-based increases

  • Fire department to add six positions, converting a station from volunteer to full-time.

Organizational Efficiency and Department Changes

  • Creation of three new departments staffed by reassigned personnel:

    • Public Engagement Services

    • County Engineering Services

    • Customer Support Services

SPLOST, TSPLOST, and Community Buy-In

SPLOST and TSPLOST remain essential funding tools, reducing reliance on property taxes.
“Voters approving the special taxes is why we can do $192 million in capital improvements without raising property taxes,” Callanan said.