The men of Three Bridges gospel trio

With their roots in traditional gospel music, the blended style of Three Bridges gospel trio makes them an internationally-acclaimed group, known for tight harmonies, a unique vocal style, an energy packed stage presence and, most importantly, for spreading the joy of the Good News of Christ.

Elliott McCoy, Shannon Smith, and Jeremie Hudson, the Three Bridges, will bring their songs to Village Baptist Church, 101 Matthew Blvd. in Destin, from 6-8 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 29. Admission is free and a love offering will be taken.

Elliott McCoy, the owner/founder and baritone of the group, is a native of eastern Kentucky and his heritage is from the famous Hatfield-McCoy Feud. He grew up in a musical family and his grandparents were influential in his life. He was just a teenager when he gave his life to Christ.

While a member of Three Bridges, McCoy has had the honor of working with Edwin and Walter Hawkins, arrangers of the famous “Oh Happy Day” song. McCoy has been a part of the Bill Gaither Homecoming video series with Three Bridges on the video “Homecoming Picnic."

God has used the last 40-plus years of consistent ministry to prepare him for the most important part of his career. Being part of Three Bridges gives McCoy an opportunity to share the Gospel of Christ with others. Beyond his professionalism, he is a true Christian and an effective asset to gospel music, a true gentleman whom you will want to meet.

Shannon Smith, lead singer, was raised in a pastor’s home and because of his parent’s active demonstration of their faith in a real and living God, he came to accept Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior at an early age.

“It was at the age of 11, during revival services at my church, that I confirmed my faith in Jesus and over the next few years I surrendered myself to Him fully and determined to live for Him for the rest of my days," Smith said on the group's website.

Through active involvement in his church youth group and Christian school as well as opportunities for volunteer service, he began to sense God’s leadership into ministry.

“The only thing I’ve ever really wanted to do is to share the life and love of Jesus with others .... I was born to sing His praises — when I sing, I feel as though He is singing too.”

Tenor Jeremie Hudson grew up in Cullman, Ala., where he started singing when he was eight years old. His father, who sang baritone for The Churchmen, was practicing one day and Jeremie just started singing alto with him.

“I realized that day there was something special about singing for God," Hudson said on the website. He continued singing in church as well as competing in talent showcases, and later won the regional Church of God Teen Talent Contest for the state of Alabama.

While serving as an interim worship pastor in Alabama, Hudson received a call from Three Bridges.

“My spirit jumped inside of me when Elliot called," Hudson said on the website. "There were several small mountains in the way to my coming back on the road. God has made those mountains a flat surface. He is truly a God of miracles.

"If He did this here, at the beginning of this new ministry, then I cannot wait to see what He will do in the end and all through the middle. I know that God has called me to be one of His voices. I pray that when time has ended, I will have pleased Him, not just with my voice, but with my entire life.”