| The Church Music Department of the Louisiana Baptist Convention, formally organized on 1 December 1947, has developed a vibrant and growing ministry to the churches of that state during its over a half-century of existence. This fifty-year history was dominated by the leadership of two secretaries (later referred to as directors) of the Department: Lowell C. Alexander, who served as the first secretary until his retirement in 1965, and Carroll Lowe, who succeeded Alexander and served until his retirement in January of 1996. In addition, countless other capable leaders throughout the state have made significant contributions to the growing interest and participation in events sponsored by the Department.;The intent of this study was to trace the chronological development of the Church Music Department of the Louisiana Baptist Convention from the date of its organization through the retirement of Carroll Lowe. Emphasis was given to events sponsored by the Department on the associational and state levels. These included the district (later associational) and state festival programs, state training events, church music schools, associational hymn sings, music camps, and state sponsored choral and instrumental groups. In addition, key events and people were identified and discussed when applicable.;The primary research for this project was conducted through examination of articles related to music in the Louisiana state Baptist paper, the Baptist Message. The researcher examined each issue between 1945 and 1996, and the information obtained from this process served as the primary data for this project. This material was then augmented through interviews with persons who had knowledge and insight relevant to the history of the Department. |
