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Sadler Chapel outside Dexter hosts joyful and inviting setting for musicians
DEXTER, Mo. — “At first, I thought this would be a good way to get people interested in attending our little church,” explains Dave Fowler, pastor of Sadler Chapel United Methodist Church. “After all, if you show up at a country church outside Dexter, Missouri, it’s not by accident,” he laughingly adds.
While Fowler doesn’t think the monthly bluegrass jam sessions have done much to build a larger congregation, they have ignited a spirit of camaraderie among the diverse population who attend each month.
“People come to play, people come to listen — joining community members in joyful fellowship is a rewarding ministry, in itself,” the pastor/musician observes.
Billed as “Open Mic Jam Session” on the church Facebook page, the “pickers and grinners” play a variety of bluegrass, country and gospel tunes. The sessions are open to talents of any age and any skill level.
“We have been holding these gatherings about three years,” says Fowler, “and during that time, we have seen a growth in both the number of musicians who show up, and the audience who attends.”
A joyful, inviting atmosphere greets those who enter the cozy basement where the jam is held. Greetings, jokes, and small talk abound in a friendly atmosphere of familiarity. While many of those in attendance know each other and are monthly regulars, those new to the event are welcomed with the same warm hospitality as the “old timers.”
The musicians include players from the Dexter-Bloomfield area, as well as Leopold, Advance, Bell City and Sikeston. A variety of instruments are utilized during the course of an evening — mostly of the traditional “country” variety.
A multicultural dimension is added to the mix, however, by occasional musical participants, Janelle and Ken Burch of Sikeston. In addition to the popular Appalachian dulcimer, they play the Caribbean marimbula, Peruvian cajón, Celtic bodhrán and the English hurdy-gurdy.
As varied as the backgrounds of the participating musicians may be, they are drawn to the monthly sessions by their common love of music, and desire to join with others in celebration of this joyful and entertaining art form. Among them are those who have been playing a lifetime, and those who recently found an interest.
Scott Gibbs of Bloomfield, who joins the group on harmonica observes, “It’s fun to get together and play these tunes. For a no-talent hack like me to sit in with this caliber of musicians is really an honor.”
Included in those contributing their talents is father-son duo Fred and Freddy Wilferth. Fred, from Leopold, plays the banjo and Freddy, who now lives in Advance, accompanies the group on bass violin.
“When he was 6 years old,” laughs Fred, “I sat him on the tailgate of a truck so he could reach the strings. He’s been playing ever since.”
Dexter native-turned-Messler-resident Dale Williams, is a regular at the monthly gatherings.
“After 50 years of playing music,” quips Williams, “I’m still waiting for Nashville to discover me, so this is a good way to pass the time until that happens.”
Local celebrity Maggie Thorn is often among those performing, along with her father Tony Thorn.
“I attend as often as I can,” says Maggie. “If I don’t have another obligation, I am usually here.”
The jam sessions, held on the third Thursday of each month, beginning at 6 p.m., are free and open to the public.
“Sometimes we have to reschedule because of a holiday or inclement weather,” explains Fowler, “but for the most part you can count on finding us here.”
Facebook users can stay up-to-date on the session schedule by following the Sadler Chapel Facebook page.