McCoy to bid Takoma Park Baptist Church a fond farewell July 1

April 30, 2012 - PRLog -- Patrick D. McCoy will bid a fond farewell to the music ministry and congregation of Takoma Park Baptist Church on Sunday, July 1, 2012.  He became Minister of Music October 2006, serving for the past six years. "It has been a wonderful time in the life of my music ministry, but I feel the call from God that notifies me that this particular season has ended." said McCoy in a recent statement.

Arriving at Takoma as the 'new' musician, McCoy quickly began shaping and molding the church choirs.  This has included providing music for all services and giving leadership to The Sanctuary Choir, revamping The Contemporary Choir and eventually reviving The Children's Choir.  Previously, McCoy served as Director of Music and Organist at Covenant Presbyterian Church in Petersburg, Virginia from 2000-2006.  It was shortly after finishing his M.M. in Church Music from Shenandoah Conservatory that he accepted the call to begin work in Washington, D. C.

Under his leadership, the music ministry has enjoyed a considerable amount of exposure in the community, rendering music for many occasions outside of the church.  Members of the church's music ministry joined him in special performances at the National Press Club and most recently at D.C.'s historic Constitution Hall.

The Contemporary Choir was invited to perform at the erection of the mural "From a Model to a Rainbow" by world renowned artist Sam Gilliam at the Takoma Park Metro.  In addition to accompanying and directing all music in the context of the worship services at the church, McCoy organized numerous special concerts including "O Magnify the Lord" a special concert honoring the church's 90th Anniversary and organized "An Evening at Carnegie Hall" with members of the Ben Holt Memorial Branch of the National Association of Negro Musicians, which he serves as president.

"As I worked hard to build a program that would ultimately glorify God, I could not help but  make a mere attempt to fashion it after some of D.C.'s most noted traditional African American Church Music ministries.  The work of Thomas Dixon Tyler, Joyce Garrett, Everett P. Williams, Jr. and Ronald Johnson, particularly served as constant models of musical excellence and for that I am very grateful." McCoy said in admiration.

Several signature events have marked his tenure.  Inspired by his mentor Dr. James F. Peak, Jr., Mr. McCoy for the last six Christmas Eve Services introduced the church to "A Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols"  The beautiful service was one that Peak introduced him to as a teenager and McCoy in turn brought great beauty to holiday services at Takoma with its institution.  During the summer months, to add interest and diversity to the services, he developed The Summer Music Ministry Guest Artists Series-introducing the church to several world class artists in the context of the worship service.

"There have been some glorious times of music ministry at Takoma.  I will miss my choirs, especially The Sanctuary Choir which is filled with some of the most dedicated people I know.  I have been richly blessed by the opportunity that I have had to grow and shape my musical path.  Takoma is the first true place where I could celebrate the sacred traditions of the African American heritage and excel in the rigor of my European conservatory training.  It has been the best of both worlds."  McCoy reflected.

McCoy asserts that he has no offers on the table-"It will be a weird feeling not rushing to a church, preparing the choirs for Sunday morning.  I would like to express my appreciation to Dr. Ernest Trice, Sr, Senior Pastor, with whom I have had the pleasure of collaborating weekly for numerous services and programs, The Music Committee and certainly Mayme Wilkins Holt, who has been a stalwart supporter of my tenure from the very beginning. This transition period will give me an opportunity to explore some of my other talents, such as singing or accompanying.  I know that the right opportunity to serve again will present itself at the right time." he said.

Patrick D. McCoy will be honored with a special reception on Sunday, July 1, 2012 at the conclusion of the 10:30 a.m. worship service.  His family, friends, colleagues and Brothers of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. are invited to share in this special time of celebration and thanksgiving for the rich work of Mr. McCoy in the life of the music ministry at Takoma Park Baptist Church.


JOB OPENING:  Part-time Minister or Music

CLICK HERE FOR APPLICATION AND JOB DESCRIPTION:
http://www.takomaparkbaptistchurch.org/content.cfm?id=319