Seventh Day Slumber

PHILIPPI — Christian rock band Seventh Day Slumber will present a free concert on Wednesday, June 23, along Philippi’s main street area while occupying the Barbour County Courthouse square.

The band, from Dallas, Texas, formed in 1996. After being an independent act for five years, they signed with BEC records in 2005. They are best known for their song “Oceans from the Rain” in 2006.

“There will be vendors and a love offering will be accepted,” Haven of Hope Worship Center pastor Howard Swick said.

“I hope this will give the region a great event to attend. After a year and five months of lock down and no events, we wanted to have a free event to join together and celebrate Jesus with one another,” Swick said.

Part of Seventh Day Slumber’s witness to others is in regard to substance abuse recovery. Band member Joseph Rojas tried to commit suicide following a cocaine binge, and he became a Christian while being taken to the hospital in an ambulance.

Rojas and Bernie Dufrene formed Seventh Day Slumber in the summer of 1996 at Christ for the Nations Institute in Dallas, Texas. It was there they met and formed the band, while writing and raising money for their first four recordings.

Other current members of the band include Blaise Rojas, Jeremy Holderfiel and Ken Reed. The band has had several other past members along the stretch while trying to promote Christianity to others through their song.