July 17, 2009
Betty Woodward, an Oklahoma Baptist University associate professor emerita of music, and Dr. Bob Woolley, a 1949 OBU graduate, received Lifetime Ministry Awards from the Baptist Church Music Conference in Nashville, Tenn., on June 9. The awards recognize individuals who have made outstanding contributions to church music throughout their careers.
Woodward served as associate professor of music at OBU from 1966-94. She was the wife of Dr. James D. Woodward who served as dean of the Warren M. Angell College of Fine Arts from 1973-1986, then served as artist-in-residence until his death in 1991. During her OBU career, Woodward taught church music, music education and theory. She also directed the Shawnee Honor Choir. She is a nationally recognized children's choir clinician, serving in that capacity in 21 states. She also coordinated the children's music program for Crystal Cathedral from 1982-84.
Woolley is a retired music director for the Missouri Baptist Convention. During the time he attended OBU, Woolley served as part-time music director at Wallace Avenue Baptist Church in Shawnee. He later served as minister of music at First Baptist Church in Bristow, Okla., First Baptist Church, Duncan, Okla., and other Oklahoma Baptist churches. In 1967, he moved to Missouri to serve at Raytown First Baptist Church. In 1972 he became director of Missouri Baptist's church music department, where he served for more than 20 years. He was a charter member of the Singing Churchmen of Oklahoma and the first director of the Missouri Music Men.
The Lifetime Ministry Award was instituted in 2004 to recognize a person whose life has been marked by significant achievement in the field of church music. Award recipients are chosen annually by the Executive Council of the Baptist Church Music Conference. The Baptist Church Music Conference is a professional organization serving and served by Baptist ministers of music, denominational workers and educators from around the world to strengthen membership and musical renewal; to affirm continually the unique role of members as minister musicians; and to provide a positive and ever growing influence on the ministry of church musicians.
For more information about the Baptist Church Music Conference, go to http://sbcmc.org/.