First Baptist Roswell

A Legacy in Music

By Cyndi Braun

I will sing unto the LORD as long as I live:
I will sing praise to my God while I have my being, Psalms 104:33.

Stop by First Baptist Roswell (FBR) for Sunday services, and youll hear something you dont hear often the sounds of a traditional choir.

With choir singers, handbell ringers and a full orchestra, FBRs music program adds richness to worship services that you must hear to appreciate.

FBR has long believed that music is a vital part of worship, but in the past three decades, church members have watched as the music ministry was transformed from average to outstanding.

A Legacy is Born

In 1984, the church hired a husband-wife team to direct the music program: Rev. Jerry Tyler, minister of music, and Maryann Tyler, music associate and organist.

A Vietnam veteran and graduate of Samford University, Tyler had been minister of music at two churches prior to coming to FBR. Maryann also graduated from Samford with a music education degree, and worked in a public school before joining her husband in music ministry.

Back in 1984, about forty people participated in FBRs music ministry; today, more than 200 adults, teens and children share their gift of music with the congregation. That kind of growth is a testament to the Tylers leadership.

The first time we met with the choir, Tyler told them, You can find a far better musician than I am, but you will find no one who will love you more than I do. And when you love the people with whom you work, you are able to work through any mistakes, and do greater things because you have built a trust, said Maryann.

Caring Leadership

Orchestra Director Rita Loadholt said the entire church community appreciates the Tylers because every day they show how much they care.

One of the wonderful things about both Tyler and Maryann is that they see talent in people that the people themselves dont even see, said Rita. Their patience and encouragement not only improve the general level of the music ministry, but also bring about very rewarding experiences for musicians of all ages.

Before the Tylers came to FBR, Rita was a church member who did not know her potential. The Tylers guided and encouraged her to become the orchestra director. Under her leadership, the orchestra has grown to twenty members, ranging from teenagers to senior adults.

Maryann also has a special way with the children. Through her leadership, the children not only learn how to sing, they learn how to sing well.

Music Ministry

The music ministry includes:

-Chancel (adult) choir
-Orchestra
-Jubilee ringers (handbells)
-His Light youth ensemble (grades 8-12)
-Childrens choir (five different groups)

Children may participate in a preschool choir (4-5-year-olds), first grade choir, music makers choir (grades 2-3), young musicians choir (grades 4-7) and a young musicians ensemble (grades 6-7). Coordinated by Maryann, each childrens choir has teachers and an outreach leader to guide the children.

The adult choir sings during all Sunday worship services, while the orchestra, Jubilee Ringers (handbells) and childrens choirs present periodically throughout the year.

A New Season

Married for fifty years, Tyler and Maryann have worked side-by-side for 48 of them.

One of the greatest blessings in my life has been having my wife Maryann working beside me, said Tyler. I would not be the person I am today if it were not for her, professionally and other ways.

Now in their 70s, the couple recently announced their retirement, effective April 30, 2018.

We are not resigning but retiring after more than fifty years of service to our Lord in the local church. Our ministry with you has been the journey of a lifetime because you have allowed us to love you and minister to you in many ways, and you have returned that love to us tenfold, said Tyler in a letter to the church.

Tyler added that he feels the future for FBR is exciting under the extraordinary leadership of its pastor.

We feel really blessed that the last pastor that well be working with has been Kevin Head because hes a man of integrity in the pulpit, in his leadership, in his lifestyle, said Maryann.

While the Tylers will no longer have an active role in FBR, their presence will still be felt in the stirring hymns presented by its music ministry and from the pews, as they worship with the church they love.

Advent Music Programs

Dec. 3
Greening Service, all choirs, 6:30pm

Dec. 10
Instrumental Christmas, 7:00pm

Dec. 17
Christmas Cantata, Jesus adult choir, 7:00pm

Dec. 24
Christmas Eve Services
Worship Service, 10:30am
Family Service, 5:00pm
Candlelight Service, 11:00pm

Sunday Services
8:30am and 11:00am

Bible Study
9:45am

Wednesday Services
6:30-7:30pm

First Baptist Roswell

710 Mimosa Boulevard, Roswell, Georgia 30075
FBRoswell.org