Who was George Beverly Shea?
Upon arriving in Winchester, motorists are greeted with a sign that proudly reveals Winchester to be the birthplace of George Beverly Shea. Recently, a colleague of mine who lives in Chesterville made a remark that she didn’t know who Shea was, and that many other locals likely don’t know either. Who was George Beverly Shea, and why is he important enough to be such a source of pride for Winchester?
George Beverly Shea was a famous gospel singer and hymn composer largely considered to be of American nationality, despite of course being Canadian born. He was known for his baritone voice and his long association with evangelist Billy Graham. He was born on February 1, 1909 in Winchester, and thus on February 1, 2009, he became a centenarian. Shea’s early life was deeply rooted in his faith and music. His father, a Wesleyan Methodist minister, and his mother, a gifted organist, instilled in him a love for hymns and a strong Christian belief. As a boy, Shea's family moved frequently due to his father's ministry, but his passion for music remained a constant. He began singing in church choirs and honed his skills from a young age.
In the 1920s, Shea moved to New York City to pursue a career in music. He worked various jobs, including a messenger for a Wall Street firm, while trying to break into the music industry. His professional singing career began to take shape in the 1930s when he started working at WMCA radio. It was during this time that he gained recognition for his rich, smooth voice and his ability to convey deep emotion through his singing. He became known for his renditions of classic hymns and gospel songs, which resonated with a wide audience.
A pivotal moment in Shea's career came in 1943 when he was invited to sing on a radio program for the Youth for Christ movement, founded by Billy Graham. This marked the beginning of a lifelong partnership. For over six decades, Shea served as the musical director and lead soloist for the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association. He was a constant presence at Billy Graham's crusades, traveling the world and singing to millions of people. His rendition of "How Great Thou Art" became his signature song and a staple of the Graham crusades, often performed as a powerful, emotional finale.
Shea's influence extended far beyond the Billy Graham crusades. He recorded more than 70 albums and was a prolific composer, with over 500 songs to his credit. He was a two-time Grammy Award winner and was inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame and the Religious Broadcasting Hall of Fame. Despite his widespread fame, Shea remained a humble and devout man. He was known for his gentle demeanor and his unwavering commitment to his faith. He often spoke about his music not as a performance, but as a form of ministry, a way to share the message of hope and salvation.
Shea passed away on April 16, 2013, at the age of 104, leaving behind a vast body of work and a profound impact on the world of gospel music. It is clear to see why his immense fame makes it noteworthy for North Dundas residents that he was born right in Winchester, though his connection to the community doesn’t extend far beyond that.