ABOUT US

High Praise Productions, Inc.

Honoring the Memory of Arie Bagsby

Arie Bagsby was the great-grandson of Evangelist Wynnetta Lindsey Smith. Arie helped High Praise Productions create their first website. Without his expertise and knowledge, High Praise Productions would not have an online presence. We miss Arie and will always remember him. We know that his short 20 years on this earth has provided him eternal life with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!

The Heritage of High Praise Productions

Over 70 years ago, High Praise Productions was entrusted to the late Evangelist Wynnetta Lindsey Smith—an accomplished gospel pianist, songwriter, radio pioneer, and minister of music whose visionary gifts shaped the musical landscape of St. Louis and beyond.

A Broadcast Pioneer & Voice of Faith

Known across national airwaves as "Your Gospel Hostess," Wynnetta broke barriers as the first Black female Gospel radio announcer in St. Louis, Missouri. Millions tuned in to experience her sultry, ministering voice and carefully curated playlists that brought comfort, joy, and inspiration to listeners throughout the United States.

Wynnetta used her national platform to champion local talent, bringing widespread awareness to artists whose music might otherwise have never been heard—including St. Louis icons like The O'Neal Twins, Austin Layne, and countless local soloists, choirs, and gospel groups.

The Legacy: Palm Sunday High Praise Service

Throughout our rich history, local churches across the region partnered with High Praise Productions to host the annual Palm Sunday High Praise Service. Wynnetta regularly invited accomplished recording artists and regional music ministries to join together in celebratory worship. Her work was celebrated throughout the city, and many who attended those legendary services still stand today as witnesses to this great legacy.

When Wynnetta passed away, her daughter, Val Lynn, stepped forward to take up the mantle and ensure the ministry continued. With the steadfast support of Bishop Michael A. West, who generously opened the doors of Saint Michael's Temple Church every Palm Sunday, the High Praise service remained a cherished annual tradition for the community.

Faithfulness Through Every Season

In 2020, when the global pandemic halted public gatherings, our mission to serve God and our community never wavered. Even without our traditional Palm Sunday service, the grace of God and the extraordinary generosity of our GIVING ANGELS enabled us to continue our outreach—providing end-of-school-year stipends to graduating seniors and coming alongside local families facing hardship and crisis.

As Psalm 121 reminds us, when we lift our eyes to the hills, our help comes from the Lord—the Maker of heaven and earth.

We invite you to explore our website to learn more about our mission, our history, and our exciting future endeavors as we continue to glorify and praise our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ!

OUR VISION

To be guided by the Holy Spirit as we continue the legacy of the late Evangelist Wynnetta Lindsey Smith moving from plateau to plateau in service to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

WHAT WE DO

Through faith, fellowship, and community outreach, our programs serve every generation:

Two by Two Prayer Walk: Hosted every Saturday morning throughout the month of May at Forest Park in St. Louis, MO, bringing people together in movement and prayer.

Blessed Success Stipend: Providing educational financial support to high school graduating seniors who are students at Val Lynn's School of Music.

I Need: Dedicated to supporting families in crisis.

Seniors Eating Healthy Ministry: Nurturing our senior citizens by delivering fresh fruits and vegetables for a wholesome, healthy diet.

OUR COMMUNITY

Rooted in collaboration, our community work is powered by the partnership between High Praise Productions and Val Lynn's School of Music. Together, we bridge creative arts, youth mentorship, and spiritual outreach to enrich lives and build a stronger, healthier St. Louis.

GIVING ANGELS

Mission: To support High Praise Productions in identifying and fulfilling unique giving opportunities that bring immediate relief and hope to those in need.

High Praise Productions reaches out to our broader community, family, and friends to rally support when unexpected crises arise.

The Giving Angels ministry was born out of this heart for direct, compassionate action.

When a local mother and her children were left stranded after losing $1,000 to a fraudulent rental scam featured on the news, High Praise Productions activated the Giving Angels. Together, through generous community giving, we raised the full $1,000 to restore what was lost—helping this young family secure a safe, comfortable home in St. Louis.

Through every unique situation, our Giving Angels embody the hands and feet of Christ, stepping in to restore hope, relieve hardship, and shower our neighbors with divine love.