As I mentioned in an early post, one of the blessings of this time is reconnecting with some of the folks who greatly influenced my musical journey through the years. This week, I had the privilege of visiting with two of those people. When I was a child, one of several great organists at my home church, First Baptist of Amory. was Mrs. Virginia Cole. When I showed an interest in the organ in high school, it was Mrs. Cole who taught me the basics of registration and pedaling. She must have had the patience of Job. I had so many questions and depended on her wisdom and experience. Throughout my high school years, she made me comfortable with the king of instruments. We played many organ and piano duets together. We composed hymn interludes and introductions. Those memories bring a huge smile to my face. Today, Mrs. Cole is barely able to get out of her home. She does not play anymore. After recently breaking both hips, it is difficult for her to even walk in the house. We sat and talked for over an hour on Tuesday. I wouldn't trade that time for anything. It reminded me of the many, many times in high school when I would stop by, have a glass of lemonade, and talk about church music for hours on end. Thank you, Virginia Cole, for igniting and fueling my passion for the organ. [Note: Even though I haven't changed a bit, the picture of me and Mrs. Cole was actually taken in 1991 at my high school senior recital.]
Ray Burke is the Minister of Music at First Baptist Church of Amory. Ray took this position when I was only 6 months old! Now in his 36th year of serving this great church, Ray is an amazing example of what I strive to be. Throughout the years, he has challenged his choirs to pursue excellence in what they do, for he realizes his call and influence as a music educator in addition to his role as a minister. He has inspired quite a few young people to pursue degrees in music and then careers in music education and church music. His passion as a conductor excites both the singer and the listener. But perhaps most importantly, he is a man of compassion and integrity.
I learned to conduct a 4/4 pattern in children's choirs at FBC. It was Ray who first believed in me enough to give me an opportunity to accompany a youth choir anthem. (The anthem was Mary McDonald's "Sing and Be Not Silent".) It was Ray who offered the organist position to me as a high school student. That early experience with hymn playing and accompanying choirs was invaluable. It was Ray and his wife Becky who helped me discern my calling into church music. It was Ray who led me to his alma mater, Mississippi College. Thank you, Ray, for so much more than you (or even I) will ever realize. No one person has influenced me and my passion for church music as much as you.
May God continue to bless Virginia and Ray...and may their legacies live on through those of us who've been blessed to know and learn from them.
4 comments:
I loved reading this beautiful tribute to these two very important and influential people in your musical life. It is a blessing for both them and you that you have taken the time to reconnect with them and to let them know how important they were to you. They should be very proud of you and your many accomplishments.
Inspiration is such a wonderful and special gift, perhaps exceeded only by thankfulness. I am so happy for you that both gifts have been part of your life. Know that you inspire others, just as you were inspired not so many years ago. That "before" picture looks a lot like the young guy from Baylor who who showed up for an interview at SAUMC in 1998. (The gap between 1991 and when we met is shorter than the time that has passed since.) Thanks for letting us share your sabbatical moments.
loving your updates. missing you already. spend lots of good qt with the family. happy early bday. love, stacy
A walk down memory lane...for you and me! ;-)
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