Dottie Peoples, Little Wooden Church | Sunday Refresh 🙏

On the 17^th edition of Sunday Refresh, we’re uplifted by Grammy-nominated gospel artist Dottie Peoples performing, “Little Wooden Church.”

W

elcome to Sunday Refresh 🙏, a column that seeks to highlight inspirational songs to uplift the spirit.  These tracks that appear on Sunday Refresh may or may not be faith-based or religious; the goal is for them to make you feel better – refreshed.  So, for the 17^th edition of Sunday Refresh, we highlight 🎵 “Little Wooden Church” (💿 Count on God) as performed by 🎙 Dottie Peoples.

“Very little money was raised
But so many souls were saved
Talking ‘bout a good time
Oh yes, a mighty, mighty good time.”  

Ah, Dottie Peoples delivered a surefire, spirit-filled gospel classic with “Little Wooden Church.” The production is spirited, featuring gospel instrumentation including keys and choir (🎙The Peoples Choice Chorale), as well as adding some punchy horns. On this contemporary, yet traditional-styled black gospel joint, the 🏆 Grammy-nominated singer/songwriter recollects her own unique experiences in church.  “As I let my mind go back / I can see the little wooden church,” she sings, adding, “Sitting by the railroad tracks / Just a little shabby ole place / We used to sing ‘Amazing Grace’.” Although the church building itself was modest, and those collection plates didn’t yield much, the spirit and the lessons taught and instilled were gargantuan.

Adding to the throwback nature of this contemporary gospel record is incorporating a traditional spiritual, 🎵 “None but the Righteous” (“None but the righteous… shall see God,” “I know got religion,” and “Take me to the water”). It’s fitting considering the nostalgic spiritual experience Peoples imparts, including personal anecdotes, like “I can see ole Deacon Johnson over in the corner when his soul caught fire,” or “By then, my Big Mama be happy…tears running down her face, she slowly get up and raise her hand.” Ultimately, years after arriving, “Little Wooden Church” never gets old.  Even if this isn’t your spiritual experience, it’s compelling and reminds us to remember simpler, less complicated times, and, of course, laud The Most High.   Worth noting, there are numerous renditions of “Little Wooden Church” on YouTube.

---

🎙 Dottie Peoples • 💿 Count on God • 🏷 Atlanta International • 📅 1996

---

Dottie Peoples, “Little Wooden Church”: Sunday Refresh 🙏 No. 17 (2021) [📷: Brent Faulkner, The Musical Hype, Zac Durant on Unsplash]

---