Minister of Music

Charles Mathews was raised in a Christian home, both parents serving in various ministries of the local church. Believing that Jesus declared the local church the main artery from which ministry flows, Charles' heart is in the local church, primarily her worship and music ministries. Charles became a Christian at age 7, received a call from the Lord to enter full-time ministry at age 14, and ordained to the gospel ministry at age 25. Together, Charles and Kay have been a team in ministry for over 35 years. Kay serves as organist-pianist of the church.

In the fervor of the revival period of the 1950's and 1960's, he traveled with a nationally known evangelistic team, Bo and Dick Baker Evangelistic Association. He grew to love all styles of music, including classical, gospel, traditional hymns, and contemporary choruses. Today, he directs the music for traditional, blended, and contemporary services at Weddington Church.

Family
While attending college, Charles met Verna Kay Fossett. They married in 1967 and now have three children; Ken (Houston, Tx.), Melody (Frisco, Tx.), and Brian (Carrollton, Tx). Kay's father and mother traveled in the 1940's, 50's, and 60's to locations throughout the south, teaching 'old-fashioned singing schools' in local churches. Mr. Fossett was music editor for 25 years of the southern gospel music publishing company, Stamps-Baxter. Mrs. Fossett continues to play for a local church in the Dallas area. Charles' parents live in Dallas, and they still are active in the local church. Mrs. Mathews has taught Sunday School for over 60 years.

Education
Bachelor of Music Performance in organ, North Texas State University, 1965
Master of Music Performance in piano, North Texas State University, 1967
Doctoral studies at University of Southern Callifornia and University of Texas, 1969
Foreign Study, American Conservatoire of Musica, Fontainbleu, France, 1968
Biblical Studies, Southwestern Theological Baptist Seminary, 1999
Ordained Pastor, First Baptist Church Spring Branch, Texas, 1973

Activities
Series of teaching music; 'The Meaning of Worship', 'Beginning Music Reading for Choir Members,'
and 'Appreciating Different Worship Styles.'
Equipped church organists and pianists in 'How To Accompany Congregational Singing'
Directed music at nationally known conference centers, 'Glorieta Conference Center'
and 'Ridgecrest Baptist Conference Center.'
Hosted two Dennis Jernigan national Worship Seminars, Dallas
Directed music for Texas state Women's Ministry Conferences
Judge for American National Piano Guild
Guest lecturer, Stephen F. Austin College
Performed J. S. Bach's Concerto in D Minor with Central Texas Symphony
Conductor for the Central Texas Piano Ensemble

Published Works
We're Marching To Zion, for SATB and trumpet obligato, Crescendo Press
Savior, Like A Shepherd Lead Us, piano solo, Broadman Press
Two Records, The Lord Is My Shepherd, Rejoice With Charles and Kay
Duo-Piano Cassette, Piano Music of the Church