Music at the Tabernacle

“Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all the earth: make a loud noise, and rejoice, and sing praise.”
Psalm 98:4

At Buffalo Baptist Tabernacle, we sing traditional hymns and Southern Gospel songs. You will find our congregation singing along in unison to good old-fashioned hymns from songbooks located in the pews. For special music, we have a wonderful choir as well as several people in our congregation.

Meet our music director, Julian Wood

“I came to Buffalo Baptist Tabernacle in February 1948 at 9½ years old with my parents. My dad, Rev. Eugene Wood, was the first pastor at this church. I began singing in the choir as a teenager as I have always enjoyed singing. In September 1959, the church was in need of a choir leader, and I was voted in. I was very excited and gladly accepted. I told the church I would be glad to serve for as long as they would allow me.

I have had some of the best musicians playing the piano and organ over the years. When I started, we did not have an organ, but Mable Arrington played the piano. She continued playing until her death, then Mary Lou Walker, who was the assistant at the time, started playing the piano. Mary Lou continues to be our pianist. On the organ, we have had Shelby Overby, Lucille Jones, Teresa Sweet, and Evone Jacobs, who is our current organist. Ann Dalton has been the assistant and plays both the piano and organ at various times. In later years, we have had Billy Coghill playing on his bass guitar which has added more music. They have been faithful and such a joy to work with; without them, I would not have succeeded.

The choir over the years have been such a joy. I have seen it completely filled and with all the four parts—soprano, alto, tenor, and bass—singing in harmony. Over the years, so many of our singers have passed away or moved away. We have a smaller number now, but they still do a fantastic job!

I praise the Lord for the last 65 years in music ministry! He has truly blessed me with the strength and ability to serve as music director. I am beyond grateful for the joy of us all working together to serve the Lord through music.”

~ Julian Wood