This church’s interim music leader, Gerald Burns, might be the longest-serving interim there ever has been.
“He took somebody’s place as a servant and has been doing that for a long time,” said Dan Arsenault, pastor of Shiloh Baptist Church in Ralph. “If somebody else came in, he’d probably back off and let somebody else do it — that’s just who he is. But if there’s a need, he’s going to fill it.”
He’s been filling it for about 70 years.
Gerald Burns started leading the music when he was around 19 or 20, and now he’s 91. He doesn’t want to take too much credit, though, because he said there were a few years where he left and came back.
His son, Terry, said some years ago the church recognized his dad for 50 years and then his dad stepped down from the role.
“But I came home one day, and he was doing it again,” Terry Burns said.
The church is part of the fabric of Gerald Burns’ life. He was born about a mile from Shiloh Baptist and has remained close.
“I became a deacon at age 21, and I’ve served as a Sunday School teacher more than 50 years,” he said.
Favorite moment
He said his favorite part of serving as “interim” music leader is just simply hearing everybody sing.
“I’ve been blessed, that’s for sure,” Gerald Burns said.
‘Epitome of Proverbs 20:6’
Arsenault said they’re the blessed ones.
“He’s the epitome of Proverbs 20:6, where it says, ‘A faithful man who can find?’ He’s been that for sure,” Arsenault said. “In a word, he’s dependable. He opens the doors every service; he comes first and leaves last every time. He’s a servant.”
Gerald Burns said — as he always has — that if someone else were to take over, he would step aside and let them. But for now, “as long as I’m able, I don’t mind doing it,” he said. “I’m grateful for the opportunity.”
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