First Baptist Murray Kentucky–August 2019

I cannot believe it has been 39 going on 40 years that I have known Mike Rose, Director of Worship and Music at First Baptist Church, Murray, Kentucky.  We met at Southern Seminary in Louisville, Ky and reconnected when Mike’s church in Cadiz, Ky purchased a Rodgers Organ which needed a dedication recital.  Since then Mike has hosted me four times in Cadiz, and now two times at First Baptist Murray where there is a transplanted Rodgers 905B Digital Organ with PR300S Sound Module. The organ sounds terrific as does the Choir and their Worship Band.

As much as I enjoyed playing the concert, I loved meeting with their musicians Joyce and Eleanor who aren’t afraid to use all the resources of the organ both traditional and orchestral.  We spent a couple of hours reviewing information about both the operation of the console and the tonal resources and how to use them.  I was happy to update and modify my “ten pistons” for them to use in their service accompanying and happy to show them how to “turn loose” and modify them to their personal tastes.  The traditional and contemporary worship services were both inspirational, a smooth blend of traditional hymns and choir anthems (wonderful choir) leading to the spoken word.  At 11am, the band let me play with them, and I believe they enjoyed the organ providing additional “pads” underneath the strumming, picking, and everything else that was happening with their instrumentation and vocalists.

The concert program was based on Ecclesiastes 3 and progressed through Jesus’ life and ministry using Psalms, Hymns and Spiritual Songs.  I enjoyed having the congregation sing selected hymns, and appreciated their keyboard musicians each playing a piano-organ duet with me.  Lisa and Joyce played Joel Raney arrangements, while Eleanor played three shorter but beautiful arrangements by Don Hustad (best known as Billy Graham’s organist, and teacher of Mike Rose and Rodney Barbour!).  Congregational members of all ages supported the program even with the pre-concert thunderstorm as people were arriving!  I’m thankful the lightning didn’t affect the organ settings!  (I did have a collection of piano music available in case—one never can be over-prepared!).

I should add—I gained five pounds in two days at Murray!  They just have FABULOUS FOOD there.  The Friday night buffet at Barkley State Park Lodge is amazing!  There was a Hardee’s for BISCUITS and GRAVY on Saturday Morning, and a COOKOUT for a TRAY of Double Burger, Corn Dog Side, Slaw and a Drink for $5.29 on Saturday Lunch (and Sunday Lunch and following the concert)!!!  We went to the Elk and Bison Prairie in the Land Between the Lakes and stopped at BELEW’S DAIRY BAR in Aurora, KY—another WONDERFUL HAMBURGER with a SLAB O’ONION and a decent chocolate shake!  And we received a tin of Yeast Raised Buns and a Loaf of Kentucky Bread that totally delighted us and saved us from despair for the long 6 hour drive home in the dark and the rain followed a great weekend!  (Cheri even got in a full round of golf with Eleanor and her friends-and learned lots of new things!).

Thanks Mike Rose and thanks wonderful people of First Baptist Murray for a great weekend for us, and I hope a time of worship and great music for you!