Our Story

Lloyd and Esther were blessed with 4 children, 13 grandchildren, and 24 great grandchildren. Lloyd sang bass in a church quartet. He started singing in the 1930s and even took vocal lessons. Lloyd’s heart was to provide quality Gospel music that anyone could enjoy without a charge.

Chic was part of the original community men’s group called “The Layman’s Club” in Cass City, Michigan. They began the New Year’s Eve Gospel Sing that ended after 50 years in 2015. The Calvarymen had participated in every one of those years. The Layman’s Club have also brought such groups as The Cathedrals, Bob Wills and the Inspirations, Toney Brothers and The Talleys to the greater Thumb area for gospel concerts.

In 1997, Chic and son Art (Gospel Committee Chairman) visited with Lew Tibbits about bringing a Gospel sing to Bay Shore Camp and having a concert, with proceeds going to the camp. A committee was formed. Its members were Lloyd (Chic) Severance, Cliff Jacoby, Bob Bader, Arthur Severance, Leslie Severance, Donna Rhodes, Dan Grimshaw, Barbie Brooks, and Lew Tibbits. The first concert was held in August 1998 with Donny Cox, from WSNL radio in Flint, as the MC. Less than 10 RVs were on the grounds. Attendance was approximately 500 people for the one-day concert on Saturday. Fifteen years later, in 2012, 17 groups performed with Donny & Judy Cox continuing to MC in the Tabernacle, and Mark Jacoby as the MC in the Youth Center. We parked 153 paid RV guests, camp housing was filled to capacity, and approximately 3,000 people enjoyed the four-day event. After Lloyd’s passing in 2000, the convention officials renamed the event due to Severance’s many contributions to Gospel singing in the Thumb and greater Michigan.

Amount raised for Bay Shore Camp

$300,000 through 25 years and counting

Our Committee

Pictured L-R: Barbie Brooks, Brad Severance, Paul Brooks, Randy Severance, Jeff Parsons, Les Severance, Larry Dail, Arthur Severance (Committee Chairman), Bill Bader, Peggy Ondrakja, Sean Severance, Joe Atchinson.

Not pictured: Dominic Cain, Zac Caldwell, Denny Esch, Dan Grimshaw, Mark Jacoby, Tommy Parrish, Liz Robinson, Jon Ward

FAQs

What is the address for the Convention? Phone Number? Email?

The address for Bay Shore Camp is 450 N Miller, Sebewaing, MI 48759. The phone number for Bay Shore is (989)883-2501. Our email address is thumbgospel@gmail.com.

How much has been raised by the Convention for Bay Shore Camp since 1998?

As of our 25th Convention in 2023, we have raised over $320,000!

I want to stay on the grounds over the weekend. How do I do that?

Call the Bay Shore office ((989)883-2501) for more information. Other accommodations could be found at nearby Sebewaing County Park.

What is the Dog Policy?

Please leave your pets in your camper area and away from around the dining and concert areas.

What are the new group requirements?

1) You must have performed at least 28 dates within the last year. 2) You must have a current project. 3) Your group must have performed together for at least 12 months before you submit your request for the next Convention.

All requests will be overseen by our music committee. All accepted groups will be invited to the next Convention.

Details