Debbie Anderson was awarded the 2023 Paul H. Stewart Music Ministry Award at the annual Alabama Singing Men and Alabama Singing Women banquet, held Nov. 13 at Eastern Hills Baptist Church in Montgomery.
Anderson is a charter member of the Alabama Singing Women and has served as the group’s accompanist for more than 18 years. As part of her ministry, Anderson has accompanied Alabama Baptist Children’s Honor Choir since its inception, as well as accompanying mass choirs at Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center.
She also has served as children’s choir coordinator in several churches through the years with musical and spiritual growth as her goals. She taught music at Parkway Christian in Birmingham and at Morgan Academy in Selma for many years.
‘Characterized by ministry’
Anderson’s life and work have been characterized by ministry from her early teen years as she began serving in local churches. She grew up in the Pine Grove area of Birmingham and has always had an intense love for music. After graduating from Hueytown High School, she enrolled at the University of Alabama, and was a proud member of the Million Dollar Marching Band, majoring in music education (flute was her principal instrument). She graduated in 1977.
She was among the first group of “summer music workers” that Paul Stewart sent out all over the state to lead music schools and leader workshops.
Stewart was the first music secretary for the Alabama Baptist State Board of Missions, beginning in 1954 and continuing in leadership until his retirement in 1985.
In 1989, Alabama Singing Men began two annual honors to commemorate his legacy. One was the Paul Stewart Scholarship Fund; the second was The Paul H. Stewart Music Ministry Award. The award is presented annually to a person who by example demonstrates that music is important in ministry, encourages by example and uses music as a tool in the proclamation of the gospel. The qualifications for nominees include ministry, quality of service, longevity of ministry and encouragement.
Commitment
Anderson’s husband, Guy, said Debbie “deeply loves the Lord and His church and is firmly committed to leading others to a stronger relation with Jesus.”
Her people skills are best defined by the fact that there is practically nowhere in the state where children do not know her name. “Miss Debbie!” is a familiar sound when she visits churches or groups where she has played through the years.
“If all this sounds prejudicial, it is because I have witnessed all these traits, consistently, for the more than 50 years I have known her (35 in marriage). I love her, but I know I am not alone in recognizing the integrity, people skills, humility, optimism and profound dedication to our Lord and His service,” Guy Anderson said.
Interim directors appointed
During this year’s banquet, Roger Walworth, minister of music, First Baptist Church, Fort Payne, and Ed Cleveland, former minister of music/current senior adult minister, First Baptist Church, Montgomery, were appointed interim directors of ASM.
Karen Gosselin, SBOM coordinator for worship resources, was appointed interim director of ASW.
Among the banquet attendees were current and former state missionaries in the office of worship resources. Only four state missionaries have held this position: Paul Stewart (1954–1985), Ray Burdeshaw (1985–2006), Keith Hibbs (2007–2021), and Karen Gosselin (2021–present).
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