After 41 years, the longest tenure of any staff member at Auburn First Baptist Church, Dale Peterson retired from his role as minister of music Sept. 14.
Peterson earned a bachelor’s degree from Kentucky Southern College in Louisville, Ky., and a master’s degree from the University of Cincinnati’s College-Conservatory of Music.
While still in high school Peterson served as part-time minister of music at his home church of 18th Street Baptist Church, Louisville, Ky., and while in college he served in the same role at Fort Mitchell Baptist Church, Fort Mitchell, Ky., and Lee’s Lane Baptist Church, Louisville, Ky.
Peterson then took on his first full-time position at Auburn First Baptist.
In an afternoon finale concert Sept. 14, Peterson directed 11 pieces performed by the sanctuary choir. About 35 former Auburn University students who sang in the church’s college choir over the years also joined in the concert.
Auburn Mayor Bill Ham presented Peterson with a resolution and church members presented him with a book of letters written by former church members, former church staff, composers and others.
The church commissioned Charles McCartha to compose a piece titled “A Servant Heart; A Servant Song” and the sanctuary choir performed it for Peterson.
Peterson plans to continue to teach part-time in the music department at Auburn University and will continue to serve as Auburn First Baptist’s composer in residence.
He and his wife, Libby, have two children and four grandchildren.
To those present at the celebration Peterson said, “Thank you for being my family and for being my family’s family. My life has been blessed by yours.”
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