Photo submitted One Purpose includes, left to right, Minister Mekesha Watson, Jocelyn Peake, Pastor Darrell W. Smith, Jackie Peake-Thompson, Jeanette Peake-Porter. Donna McDowell is not pictured.

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Photo submitted Frank Turner, Pastor Darrell W. Smith and Clinton "B.B." Rogers prepare to take the stage at Saturday's CD release at the Pacolet River Baptist Association.

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Photo submitted Minister Mekesha Watson, Donna McDowell, Jocelyn Peake, Jackie Peake-Thompson and Jeanette Peake-Porter pose together backstage at Saturday's CD release event.

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UNION — Gospel group One Purpose held an event Saturday at the Pacolet River Baptist Association to celebrate the release of the group’s new CD entitled “Wait.”

Approximately 350 people attended the CD release event on Lovers Lane Road and were treated to performances by Tommy Ellison’s Legendary Singing Stars of Brooklyn, N.Y., Southern Echoes of Belton, Gospel Melodyaires of Greer, Annointed Vessels of Spartanburg, The Joylites of Gaffney, Distinguished Gentlemen of Orangeburg and of course, One Purpose of Spartanburg.

The group consists of the Rev. Darrell W. Smith, pastor of Mt. Tabor Baptist Church in Gaffney; Mekesha Watson, associate minister of Cedar Grove Baptist Church in Enoree; and three sisters, Jackie Peake Thompson, Jocelyn Peake and Jeanette Peake Porter.

“We hope this CD will uplift people and draw them closer to Christ,” Thompson said. “Whether we are ministering through song or in the pulpit, One Purpose is spreading the good news of Jesus Christ.”

Pastor Smith began singing with the Peake sisters at a young age as part of the choir at Shiloh Baptist Church in Pauline. Minnie L. Peake — the sisters’ mother — was the choir director. The sisters’ father — the Rev. J. Lewis Peake — was the pastor of Mt. Calvary Baptist church in Cross Keys, where they met Watson. Watson — the daughter of the Rev. George and Bernice Watson — also had experience singing in her own choir. The entire group has been singing together ever since.

“From that meeting, One Purpose was born,” Thompson said, pointing out that the group embodies unity, harmony and cohesiveness, which brings about a feeling of inspiration.

About three months ago, Donna McDowell joined One Purpose and agreed to help out when Smith and Watson are unable to travel with the group due to obligations as a pastor and minister.

“She is a perfect fit for One Purpose,” Thompson said.

Thompson said God has opened many doors for the group and allowed them to share the stage with gospel greats such as Tommy Ellison’s Legendary Singing Stars, Doc McKenzie and The Hi-Lites, Lee Williams and the Spiritual QCs, Harvey Watkins, Jr. and the Canton Spirituals, The Jackson Southernaires, Luther Barnes, Bishop Darrell McFadden and The Disciples, The Swanee Quintet and Keith “Wonderboy” Johnson.