In 1961, Myers Park Baptist Church embraced a vision that blended learning with artistry, shaping a year of profound growth and connection. It was a season when sacred music became a bridge across boundaries, and education deepened the church’s sense of mission in a changing world. Through transformative experiences like the choral workshop led by Dr. John Finley Williamson, the pastoral insights of Dr. Reuel Howe, and a regional Christian Education Conference the congregation discovered new ways to unite faith, creativity, and service. These moments remind us that the church’s calling is not static but alive, inviting us to live boldly in God’s love for the sake of the world.

Music as Mission: Workshop with Dr. Williamson
The church welcomed renowned choral leader Dr. John Finley Williamson, whose ministry demonstrated how music teaches, unites, and bears witness across boundaries. Dr. Williamson, co-founder with Mrs. Williamson of the Westminster Choir college and for over 30 years its president and director of the world-traveled Westminster Choir came to Myers Park Baptist Church to lead a five-day Choral Workshop.

Although retired from their positions, the Williamsons' dedication and love of Christ, the Church, and choral music led them to continue as music missionaries traveling through Africa and the Orient to present the teachings of Christ. Through workshops, lectures, choirs, Master Courses in Vocal Pedagogy, individual voice lessons, and community-wide collaboration, music became a bridge connecting faith with daily life, local congregations with the wider world, and worship with mission.

Community pastors, education ministers, and ministers of music were invited to informal lectures with Dr. John and Dr. Rhea to discuss:
The Place of Music as a Teaching Ministry
The Place of Music in Missions 
The Place of Music in the Worship of the Church 
The Place of Religious Drama as a Teaching Medium
The Place of Music in Evangelism

Sacred music was celebrated not only as beauty, but as a living expression of God’s love for all people.

Faith That Heals: Dr. Reuel Howe's Transformative Visit
Later in the year, Dr. Reuel Howe's visit offered another gift of hope. A pastor, teacher, and counselor, Dr. Howe spoke with clarity and compassion to the real struggles of everyday life. His work reminded the church that Christian faith is not abstract but deeply relational, focused on human growth, healing, and creativity. 

By engaging theology, psychology, and pastoral care, he encouraged the church to meet people where they are and to trust God’s ongoing work in their lives. During his five days at Myers Park Baptist Church, he preached about "The Indispensable Spirit," spoke at an open forum, and held meetings with groups such as Common Life Alumni, Woman's Missionary Society, Couples Meeting, Junior and Senior High Students, and Clergy and Staff.

He also spoke at the Sunday Church School Teacher's Dinner and at Fellowship Night. On the final evening, Dr. Howe addressed the entire congregation and visitors from the community at an evening meeting on the topic, "Escape from Bondage." 

"The Church Is Mission" Christian Education Conference 
Plans were underway for a regional Christian Education Conference that would bring together pastors, educators, and lay leaders from across the Southeast. Grounded in the belief that education is central to the church’s mission, the conference invited participants to deepen their understanding of how faith forms people for meaningful service in a changing world.

Through shared learning, dialogue, and practical teaching, the church affirmed that nurturing children, youth, and adults is essential to living out the gospel with purpose and hope. Over 100 invitations were sent out, and news spread quickly, with requests about the conference coming in from West Virginia, South Carolina, Georgia, Virginia, and North Carolina.

The conference included special lectures, group discussions, planning sessions, demonstration/observation classes, evaluation sessions, and informal discussions providing a unique opportunity for the development of a clearer understanding of the mission task of the Church and the role of education in approaching that task.

A Vision That Still Inspires
In the early 1960s, our church embraced a bold and hopeful vision: the church itself is God’s mission in the world. This conviction shaped a season of vibrant learning, worship, and community engagement that continues to inspire us today. Rooted in education, enriched by the arts, and open to the wisdom of many voices, the church dared to imagine a future where God’s love is lived boldly—for the sake of the world.