“He just touched so many lives,” said Bernice McMaster, a friend and fellow church member who helped emcee the event, called Down Memory Lane with Ernie Sears. “We’ve heard so many stories since doing this. He was such a great man.”
The afternoon event on Sept. 25 was highlighted with memories, music, laughter and food. The line-up of musicians, organized and emceed by Harold Miller, included The Carter Girls, Ernie’s Sunday Night Jam, Karen Sears, Nelson Cabral, Rhonda and Tim Dean, as well as Marina, Reva and Friends.
The church was filled with people who were connected to Ernie in some way – whether it was musicians who had played with him throughout his career, people who simply enjoyed his music, or family and friends.
Attendees contributed to a goodwill offering, which brought in a total of $1,200 for the music departments at the three Sackville schools. The church topped the amount up to $1,500 so that each school would receive $500.
“It was a wonderful day,” said McMaster. “I was so proud to be a part of this. There was a feeling we’ve never had in the church before. Everyone had a story to tell about Ernie. He’s just been such an important part of so many lives.”
