“Because of my tenure here, I’ve been able to become close to all the (church) members, not just those (serving) in the music ministry,” said Dale Peterson, minister of music and composer in residence at Auburn First Baptist Church.
Peterson’s tenure at the church will be celebrated June 23 as he marks 40 years of full-time ministry there. A drum major in high school, Peterson said his interest in the music ministry was cultivated when his church’s music minister in Louisville, Ky., asked Peterson to serve as his substitute when needed.
Peterson earned a degree from Kentucky Southern College in Louisville, Ky., and completed his master’s degree at College-Conservatory of Music, University of Cincinnati. When he graduated, his former music minister from Louisville had left the music minister role at Auburn First Baptist and gave the church Peterson’s name as a replacement.
Along with serving as music minister, Peterson writes compositions and has more than 100 published anthems.
Church member Mark Wilson said Peterson “never stops” in his artistic creation and noted time-honored traditions Peterson has helped develop at Auburn First Baptist. For example, each year Peterson writes a song for Advent. Wilson said the church has not only a music minister but a “true artist.”
Wilson recognizes the significance of Peterson’s tenure and the impact his ministry has had on Auburn First Baptist. “Forty years anywhere in one particular place is important, but when I think about Dale’s ministry … he’s giving his life to this church,” Wilson said. “What a wonderful testimony to him and the church.”
The church has invited back former members of the college choir for a 40th anniversary reunion May 24–26 with Peterson. Following rehearsals, the Reunion Choir will present a sacred concert that Sunday and the weekend will culminate with a churchwide dinner on the grounds.
Then on June 23, Auburn First Baptist will hold an anniversary celebration for Peterson’s 40th year of ministry. He will be honored in the morning worship service, and a lunch with fellowship will follow.
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