Courtesy photo. Gospel artist Charles McPhatter

Published on: Wednesday, June 09, 2010

By Chris Grady

Throughout his life, gospel recording artist Charles McPhatter had a deep faith in God, but after finding out last July he and his younger brother Joseph were adopted, his faith became even stronger.

Joseph called him after finding out from a relative on their father's side of the family.

"He was more emotional than I was," said McPhatter. "Instantly I had to play it calm."

The news, though incredibly surprising, was not a total shock to McPhatter, given that his wife Michelle had suggested in the past that she thought he might be adopted.

McPhatter said finding out of his adoption changed the way he looked back on his life as he had difficulty figuring out his identity shortly after hearing of his adoption.

"One thing about being a Christian is that I can never forget who I am in Christ," said McPhatter.

The 38-year-old Temple Hills resident has been working with a social worker in hopes of being in contact with his parents some day. He has learned that he and his brother were taken away from biological parents due to neglect.

The social worker on his case has been able to locate McPhatter's birth father. However, since his adoption was closed, McPhatter will have to wait for his birth parents to reach out to him.

Since finding out about his adoption McPhatter has tried to make sure that nothing has changed with his adoptive parents.

"I try to keep the relationship going the same as if I never heard the news," said McPhatter.

Since finding out about their past, the McPhatter brothers have become closer."It is almost like a special bond that you find yourself in," McPhatter said. "He feels the same way as well."

The brothers' adoptive mother did not tell her sons the truth out of a mother's love, according to McPhatter.

"I am always glad to know the truth," said McPhatter. "Scripture always says that the truth shall set you free."

McPhatter's song "Never Gave Up On Me," which he recorded before he found out he was adopted, from his 2009 album "Life Songs" took on a new meaning after learning he learned the truth about his past.

"That song became very pivotal in that moment in time," McPhatter said. "It is a blessing for me to share it."

When he wrote the song in 2008 the lyrics were reflective on the ups and downs he had in his life and how God had been with him through it all. When McPhatter found out about his adoption two weeks after the birth of his son, the song's lyrics took on even greater meaning for him.

While not the easiest of subjects for McPhatter to discuss, he does look forward to sharing his story with other people.

Initially, he was able to talk about his adoption with his close friend, including a woman who found out that she was adopted a few weeks after he did.

On May 23, McPhatter spoke to the congregation at the Church of the Living God in Suitland, which was his church for a decade. The message he conveyed to those in attendance is that despite what had happened in his life, God was still good.

"People were able to understand how blessed I was," said McPhatter.