Revered throughout Bessemer and other parts of the vast United States of America as a Gospel music legend, Deacon Auguster Maul, Sr. was remembered this past Saturday.
Deacon Auguster Maul, Sr.
Held at New Bethlehem Baptist Church with entrusted services conducted by Chambers Funeral Home, the memorial services did not emphasize simply a great singer, but a man — a man’s man, a family man and friend, a God fearing spiritual man, a family patriarch, a grandfather, an uncle, devoted church Deacon and more — which was the essence of our beloved Deacon Maul.
His granddaughter, Dr. Jacqueise Unonu, said: “No matter how in control we think we are, GOD shows us who’s in control always, for His time is impeccable. Our Grandfather always taught us to never wait to be asked to a table, take your own chair and sit at the table for you need to be present during times of meeting and decision making,” which spoke to the entrepreneurial and communal advocacy efforts of Mr. Maul.
Serving in the U.S. Army, he had worked at US Steel for forty-two years while opening his own radio/tv repair shop. The last surviving member of the Bessemer-bred Gospel music quartet, ‘The Delta Aires’, Mr. Maul’s rich and commanding baritone was one held in high esteem for those who attended the local Gospel concerts, as his lead on “Walk Out In Jesus’ Name” would joyfully stir audience members every time.
His daughter, Mrs. Donna Warren, shared fond memories before rendering a soul-stirring musical dedication through song “Move On Up A Little Higher,” followed by brother Auguster Maul, Jr., who made the audience laugh by way of memories of the comical yet nurturing side of Deacon Maul.
Also during the memorial service, Tennessee native Doug Seroff (Gospel quartet historian) spoke upon the welcoming and helpfulness of Deacon Maul, stating:
“I was privileged to meet him and glad to become a friend for he was one who was more than glad to help with my documentary project as well as to teach other singers the art of quartet Gospel singing.”
Mr. Willie Jenkins also spoke on behalf of Gospel concert goers that enjoyed the Delta-Aires and other Bessemer Gospel groups and solo performers, as fellow Deacon, Willie Smith, shared how serious Mr. Maul took on Deacon duties and knowledge sharing towards others whenever possible.
Family members from afar shared memories of their Uncle J.B. (Deacon Maul) with a letter that included lessons Deacon Maul left with them, such as:
- ‘Get to know people for they may be your family’
- ‘Never end a conversation without prayer’
A faithful and loyal member to the Macedonia Baptist Church family, Mr. Maul would serve on the Deacon board for 69 years as well as being a choir member.
Pastor Scott delivers moving message during memorial service.
Pastor William E. Scott spoke on the nature of a man he had known for many years, not only as one of his Church members but one who also mentored and taught him within time. Speaking from Genesis 5 and verse 24 with the subject “Planning Our Exit From This World,” Pastor Scott stated:
“Mr. Maul lived as a man who was not only focused on the earthly side but one who knew the importance of living in a Godly manner, knowing that time would come where he’d have to depart to the other side of existence. So I ask, are we here today preparing for our exit beyond this earth for it is important we do so.”
Gospel group mentees of Mr. Maul, ‘The Birmingham Sunlights’, fittingly concluded the memorial service with a traditional acapella rendition of “Walk Around Heaven.”
Here at the Western Star, we reminisce on our very own memories of Deacon Maul as we were glad to sit with him during the Alabama Music Awards last year as he reminded us:
“I always lived by the motto, to never look down upon another unless you’re helping them up.”
We thank Deacon Maul for being the kind and humble spirit he was. Even while being considered a local star, he carried himself with dignity yet as an everyday person who didn’t think he was more than anyone else.
Our condolences go out to his family and church family.
We say to all of our readers, live good and be even better a person and as Deacon Maul would tell us:
“May the Lord Bless You Real Good.”
