Though the Nov. 10 Education Music Association (EMA) banquet at First Baptist Church, Birmingham, marked the organization’s final meeting, the mood was anything but somber.
In fact participants joyfully visited with one another during the meal and laughed hysterically at the musical antics of the ever-popular Three On A String, a multitalented trio that has been entertaining audiences throughout Alabama for more than 40 years.
According to longtime members of EMA, fun and laughter have long been hallmarks of the organization founded some three to four decades ago to provide a support and networking component for non-pastor ministers.
Retired children’s minister Doris Collins said, “By serving on the entertainment committee several times I was so blessed to be able to introduce some of my friends to EMA, such as Doug Berky, David Girard and Kay DeKalb Smith, who entertained us with wonderful humor. And we always know that laughter is good for the soul.”
Johnny Kilgore, a retired associate pastor of family ministries, music and senior adults, also recalled EMA banquets as times of laughter and entertainment. But on at least one occasion the laugh was on him. In 2005 Kilgore won the Alabama Singing Men’s Paul Stewart Ministry Service Award but didn’t realize the presenter was talking about him until the very end.
“I was just wondering who he was talking about and lo and behold he called my name out. I was totally shocked,” he said. “Everybody around the table was laughing because they were more responding to how I reacted to it.”
So with its tradition of mirth and merriment it was only fitting that EMA shut down on an upbeat note. Despite the finality, however, the decision to disband was made without regrets.
Dale Huff, EMA’s adivser, said, “The original purpose of EMA was to give ministers other than pastors an opportunity to meet with ministers in similar roles — ministers of music, ministers of education, ministers of youth and other staff ministry roles — giving them a time to be together and have their own meeting while the Pastors Conference was going on.
“Over the years some of these types of ministers have formed their own organizations so it seems like the original purpose of EMA for them has been fulfilled,” said Huff of the Alabama Baptist State Board of Missions. “We’re thankful for the years past and for what has been accomplished, and it seems like the right time to make this transition.”
During its final business session EMA treasurer Larry Morrison shared a resolution that monies remaining in the treasury after expenses would be equally divided between the Paul Stewart Scholarship Fund and the Religious Education Scholarship Fund.
It also was announced that Johnny Arnett, minister of music and senior adults at Linden Baptist Church, was the winner of the annual Stewart award. A member of the Alabama Singing Men for 22 years, Arnett has served on several committees including a stint as chairman of the current activities committee.
Ministry experience
During his ministry career Arnett has served churches in Alabama and Louisiana as minister of music, minister of youth and minister of senior adults. A native of Talladega, he is married to his high school sweetheart, Jenny Garrison Arnett. The Arnetts have one son and five grandchildren.
A plaque also was presented to Greg Hollis, minister of music and education at Union Hill Baptist, Oneonta, in appreciation for his service as EMA’s last president.
“I feel like I’m standing on the shoulders of the folks who have gone before,” he said, “and I count it as an honor and privilege to have served.”
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