Gospel Tunes with a Bluegrass Kick: 6 Members of All4Hym Minister Through Music

 A brightly decorated Christmas tree, candles, the smell of homemade goodies, and bluegrass gospel music warm the country home east of Winchester on the Shenandoah River.

In the living room, the six-member All4Hym band kicks off a set of music with their version of "Little Black Train." That sample of their work helps explain why the band's name keeps popping up at Frederick County venues and why the group is preparing to release a third compact disc.

More than six years after its founding, All4Hym has carved a unique niche. Though members of the group love bluegrass tunes, the band's true focus is gospel music.

"All4Hym's purpose is to bring God's word to people through our ministry of song," said Chester Kreitzer, a band founder who plays the guitar and sings. "God has given us talent, and we use it for him. We're very sincere about what we do."

This year, All4Hym played at several area churches and festivals, including Redland United Methodist Church in Cross Junction, Newtown Heritage Festival in Stephens City, and the Frederick County Fair.

"They were wonderful," said Rose McDonald, chairman of the Frederick County Fair's entertainment committee. "They sing with enthusiasm and know how to hold a crowd."

Next year's schedule is already filling up. The band is scheduled to appear at Stephens City United Methodist Church on Jan. 11, and at First United Methodist Church in Winchester March 14. Later in the year, the group is scheduled to appear Aug. 15 at Round Hill United Methodist Church off U.S. 50 west of Winchester and on Oct. 10 at New Life Christian Church on Middle Road in Frederick County.

On Jan. 31, All4Hym will share the Fairfax High School stage with The Seldom Scene for a benefit concert.

"Frank Jurney, an area promoter, gave The Seldom Scene one of our CDs and they asked us to do the job with them," said Chester, whose wife, Terri, is the lead singer.

The set on that recent winter night ended with Ralph Stanley's "Clinch Mountain Back Step." The last fast-paced song isn't gospel, but it showcases the band's versatility and its talented musicians. Band members include the Kreitzers and their son, Cory, who plays mandolin. Dan Murphy plays bass, and his twin brother, Aaron, is the lead guitar player. Eighteen-year-old Buddy Dunlap, a recent Sherando High School graduate, is the banjo and fiddle player.

"There's only two things better than playing music," Aaron said. "One is playing music with family and friends, and the other is playing music for the Lord."

Chester and Terri, who live in Warren County, formed the band in April 1997. "We started the band to give Terri an avenue to sing," said Chester, who said his wife's voice resembles Alison Krauss'.

Original band members included Mark Comer on mandolin and Dan. Cory took over the mandolin player's position in 1999. "Mark was my mentor before he left," Cory said.

Aaron and Buddy joined the band in April.

"We're so blessed to have them," Terri said. "They are talented musicians and have added so much to our music."

All4Hym has recorded two CDs, "God Leads Us Along" and "I Am the Vine." A third will be released next year.

Band members say they are having fun and enjoy playing together.

"If we stop having fun, we'll stop doing this," Terri said. "But there's no chance that's going to happen."