In 2002, two members of the Promise band were active members playing in the Thurmont United Methodist Church (TUMC) Praise Team. Wes Hamrick played the Piano and Tim Willard played the drums on the praise team for over two years.

At the end of 2002, Wes and Tim started feeling that God was leading them into something more, but did not know what he had in mind. In the beginning of 2003, Wes had asked Tim to start playing together as an instrumental duo, and going to nursing homes, churches and providing special music at their home church at TUMC.

By the end of 2003, Wes and Tim felt as though God wanted them to transition into a community ministry. Wes and Tim prayed together and asked God to go before them and make the path for them to follow. They both sensed that God was leading them to form a Christian band, and break outside the church walls into the community.

So with God’s help, they started looking around and did not have to look very long, when they started seeing God put it all together. Bill Offutt was working with Youth for Christ, and Tim had heard that he played Bass guitar. Tim was pleasantly surprised to find that Bill was also sensing the call to serve in a community based ministry. Along the same time, Luke Geffen was working with Bill for Youth for Christ, and had shared the same desire to serve in this type of ministry. Brenda Eyler, one of the singers on the Thurmont United Methodist Church) Praise team, had shared that she would like to be involved as well. Justin Irons, a student at Catoctin High, played the drums with the youth group, and also expressed interest in being involved. This all came about in a matter of 2 weeks. At this point, our group had grown from 2 to 6 Members; Bill (Bass Guitar / Vocals), Wes (Key Boards), Tim (Drums), Luke (Rhythm Guitar / Vocals), Brenda (Vocals) and Justin (Bongo / Congas).

It should also be noted that their were also other musicians and singers that God blessed the group with for a season. This includes Mr. & Mrs. Jeff Head and a host of others.

At the start of 2004, we decided through prayer and discussion, to rename the group "The Catoctin Promise Band."

Wes told the band that he knew a gentleman (Dale Hooper) from Weller United Methodist Church that sang vocals and played Lead Guitar on their Praise Team. They invited him to join the ministry and he accepted.

After getting started with practices, the Catoctin Promise Band grew by two more singers, Susan Mize from the Thurmont First Baptist Church, and Chris Smith from St. John’s Lutheran church in Thurmont.

As they sat back and saw what God had done thus far, it was awesome to see how placing their faith and trust in him, had allowed him to take the lead, and blend things together.

The Catoctin Promise had now grown to 10 Members and had collectively been praying for direction. God showed the group that they were to take their ministry out into the community and spread the good news of Jesus Christ through music.

Over the past couple of years, they have been invited to numerous carnivals, revivals, churches, high School graduations, a college university and much more.

As of 2008, The Catoctin Promise Band is a non denominational ministry that consists of 13 members (including our sound personnel), from a total of 5 different churches in the community of Thurmont and surrounding areas. Our newest members include Mike Fritz (Percussionist), Greg Gautney (Guitar), Anna Perry (Vocals), Eric Carmack (sound engineer), and a host of support people to include Sherrie Fritz and Michele Carmack. They are excited about the upcoming season and schedule that lies ahead. The Catoctin Promise Band looks forward to many more years of ministry under the leading of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Palms: 150