I have served as Minister of Music & Worship Arts since September 2007, working with singers, instrumentalists, and artists in numerous areas to develop and enhance the worship of Duluth First UMC. I previously served churches in Springfield, VA, West Columbia, SC, and Montgomery, AL.
I earned degrees from Birmingham-Southern College (BS, finance) and the University of South Carolina (MM and DMA, conducting). Additionally, I studied at Huntingdon College (sacred music, voice) and Candler School of Theology at Emory University, where I now serve as part-time Director of Chapel Music and Assistant Professor in the Practice of Music Ministry.
Among my many loves in the realm of music and worship arts, my greatest love is for the hymns of the church, old and new. I have obtained an extensive collection of hymnals from many different denominations. I believe that no music in the church has a higher place than the hymns, songs, and responses sung by the Great Choir, the congregation.
I am a member of several professional organizations, including The Hymn Society, American Choral Directors Association, Fellowship of United Methodists in Music and Worship Arts, and Choristers Guild. I have served as music director for the North Georgia Annual Conference (2012-2015), and was the chair of the worship design team for the June 2018 Music & Worship Arts Week at Lake Junaluska, NC.
My wife, Ellouise, our daughters, Cynthia and Alicia, and I are active in the life and ministry of Duluth First UMC beyond music and worship, and are thrilled to be part of this community of faith.