Shelia Austin | 50 years as Choir Director

50 years as Choir Director

Growing up my family for many generations has gone to the same church, Antioch Baptist Church. My aunt has been the choir director there for over 50 years and before her it was her father in law.  One thing that my dad’s side of the family was blessed with was musical talent. They can sing and play any instrument they pick up.  So growing up around such good music was a blessing.

A bad thing about that is I didn’t get one lick of musical talent.  I was in band for middle school, high school, and a few years in college (I played the baritone and tube) and I also played the banjo for several years but it was really hard and I didn’t just have an ear for music.
Shelia does and has always made the choir sound so good and all of the amazing voices always came together.

One Sunday, the church decided to surprise Shelia with a Sunday morning service all about her.  The choir reversed on extra days to practice the music, but still had their regular Wednesday night practice and Shelia had no clue.  On that Sunday morning they called her and told her not to come to church until 1045am and to not ask any questions.

During the service they invited back several of the past preachers that she has served with, they each told a story about her and the choir sang some of her favorite songs.  It was a special service and I was glad I was able to be a small part of it!