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Doug Davis,
Jr., son of Douglas and Betty Davis, was born in Henderson, Texas on May
10, 1953. Dougs musical talent and ability began to reveal itself
very early in his life.
He began playing the piano in church at age 12. His developing talent
was soon noticed by his instructors who arranged for him to perform for
Texas Governor, John Connelly. At about the same time, he began his formal
musical training with Dr. Eleanor Morse Hall, a noted professor at Texas
Christian University in Fort Worth, Texas. He also began receiving invitations
to perform at Camp Meetings, Youth Camps and conventions. At age 17 he
was the featured piano player for the General Conference of the United
Pentecostal Church, International. He continued to serve in this distinctive
capacity for several years.
In January 1976, at the age of 22, Doug became the Dean of Music at Gateway
College of Evangelism in St. Louis, Missouri. At the same time, he founded
the Doug Davis Trio, a noted gospel singing group that toured
nationally for seven years. This group recorded several albums which received
substantial air time on national radio stations and appeared on several
top-ten listening charts. Doug also began his composing career, authoring
more than 100 gospel songs over the next ten years. Many of his songs
were performed and recorded by various gospel artists and groups.
In 1977, he became the Dean of Music at Kent Christian College in Dover,
Delaware. For the next twenty-one years, Doug developed and refined the
music curriculum of the school, supervised the Music Department teaching
staff, conducted numerous concert tours for the schools musical performing
groups, and produced ten musical albums. During this time, he was also
invited to direct the Kent College Choir at one of the inaugural celebrations
for President George Bush.
Expanding his ministerial gifts, Doug also accepted a call to pulpit ministry.
He began preaching and teaching at various church services, conferences
and seminars. He also ministered in various official capacities for the
UPCI. He served two terms as Childrens Camp Director for the New
York State District and two terms as the District Youth President for
the Metro NY District, breaking the existing records for fund raising
during both terms.
Doug married Vickie Haymon of Leesville, Louisiana in 1979. An outstanding
soloist in her own right, Vickie multiplies the ministerial talent and
ability of the Davis family. She is also the Office Manager and Special
Projects Director of Bethel.
In 1982 Doug became the Associate Pastor of Bethel United Pentecostal
Church. In this capacity he directs and oversees all administrative operations
of the church, directs the development of new ministries, and oversees
the training of new leaders within the church. He is also the principal
Bible Teacher on the church ministry staff.
Doug also continues to serve as the Music Minister of Bethel. He founded
and directs the 90-voice Bethel Choir which has won numerous awards and
citations. In August of 2000 he was awarded the Lifetime Achievement
Award by the Tri-State Music Association for recognition of his
outstanding contribution to the field of gospel music. He and his wife,
Vickie are frequently sought singers and ministers at various conventions,
seminars and conferences around the world.
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