Recently, I had the privilege of hearing Liberty Quartet during a couple of concerts on their Alberta, Canada tour, and I came away encouraged by their ministry. I knew our North of 49 readers would enjoy a glimpse behind the scenes, so I invited Glenn McCaughan, who served as the group’s Canadian representative, to share the story of the journey in his own words.
By Glenn McCaughan
Liberty Quartet completed another successful tour of Alberta, Canada, in early June 2026. This year marked the 30th anniversary for Liberty Quartet, as they have been travelling through the western United States and Canada during that time, spreading the good news of the Gospel through their singing and love of God.
The group is composed of Royce Mitchell as founder and sole bass of Liberty for all of Liberty’s thirty years. Over those years, Royce has hit a lot of lows (notes, that is) along with many highs, seeing God being lifted up and Jesus being the focus and worship of their ministry.
The members of Liberty highlight Paul Ellis as lead and logistical guru. He has been with the group for a total of seventeen years over two different stints of time. At piano and baritone is the versatile Doran Richey, who has also written several songs for the group during his eleven-year tenure, again over a couple of different periods of time. Next is Will Arasmith, who is the group’s baritone. He is the sound and video master and setup technician. He has been with the group for a total of six years.
Last, but by no means least, is the newest member of Liberty, Peyton Olive. Peyton is the tenor extraordinaire and youngest member of the group at 22 years of age. He has been with the group for three years and is the only single man in the group, but that status will soon change, as wedding bells are planned for him in September. We are thrilled for him.
This year’s tour took Liberty to the Gospel Music Weekend in Alix, Alberta with the Fehr family as hosts. It was a great weekend of music and singing, with several groups in the lineup. The Fehr family puts together such an outstanding lineup of artists, and the quality of the program was outstanding.
Then it was on to Barrhead and the Bethel Pentecostal Church, where they performed for a great crowd, followed by a day off for a little recreation and rest. The Pastor was a fantastic host, and the hospitality was amazing.
The next stop was Grande Prairie at Oasis Church for an intimate concert with those in attendance. Liberty also performed a special little a cappella concert for a dear friend, and her husband, as she was in the hospital and unable to attend the evening concert. It was a wonderful time to praise the Lord.
Onward to Whitecourt, where there was a wonderful crowd at Whitecourt Baptist Church who really enjoyed the evening. The folks at Whitecourt also arranged for a special brunch the morning after the concert. If you want to get to Liberty’s hearts, one way is through their stomachs. They love to eat, and they enjoy the kind hospitality of our Whitecourt friends.
Then came a return trip to Century Meadows Baptist Church in Camrose, where there was a rousing crowd that almost filled the church. It was a great time.
The next night, Liberty was delighted to sing at Southside Victory Church in Calgary for another large crowd. The evening was very special, as the concert was a fundraising benefit for the Eleviva Canada organization. It was Liberty’s third time participating in this annual benefit.
As the beneficiary of the evening, Eleviva’s mission, through the efforts and work of missionary and Pastor Greg Swinamer, is to help Ukrainian refugees who have poured into Poland to escape the conflict in Ukraine. It was a wonderful evening and generated over $60,000 for refugee centres. Liberty was delighted to participate.
At intermission, there was a free pie bonanza for everyone who cared to have a piece—or two or three. No one was keeping track, and it looked like everyone enjoyed themselves, judging by the pie on their faces… lol.
All good things must come to an end, and the last concert stop on this year’s tour was at Park Meadows Baptist Church in Lethbridge, Alberta. Liberty was met by an enthusiastic crowd who enjoyed Spirit-filled singing, music, and humour. This year marked the church’s fiftieth anniversary, and Liberty was delighted to be able to sing and add to their festivities.
This year’s tour placed Liberty in several new venues and churches, travelling roughly 2,500 miles, and the response was truly humbling, as each concert is tailored and led by the Holy Spirit. Each night, the song list is always different, as Royce looks for direction by speaking with the pastor and praying for God’s leading before and during the concert.
Further, and equally important, Liberty has focused on taking time and giving attention each night to provide an opportunity for people to hear, receive, and make a personal decision for Christ. Follow-up is provided after each concert, and to date, Liberty has been privileged to see over thirty-five people come to Christ as Lord and Saviour. This is the heart of their ministry and their purpose for travelling and presenting the love and saving power of Jesus in song, music, and laughter.
There were many other highlights during this year’s tour, as Liberty is always greeted in Canada by dear friends.
Liberty Quartet wants to sincerely thank each person who took the time to come out to one of the concerts, as they truly love and appreciate all who come to hear of God’s love and the mercy He extends to us. It is their privilege and honour to sing to their Canadian friends!
Related posts:
CD Review “30th Anniversary” By Liberty Quartet
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North of 49 | January 2026
North of 49 | The Rich History of Southern Gospel Music in Canada: A Legacy of Faith and Song
North of 49 | Faith Family Concerts – A New Chapter for Southern Gospel Music in Western Canada
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