First Baptist,
We were truly blessed to have Fred DeFoor step into our interim Minister of Music role with such grace and skill in July 2024. He guided us through the transition and gave us time to thoughtfully search for a new music minister. Now, having faithfully led us through this important season, Fred gets to retire again! His final Sunday as interim will be July 6, as we joyfully prepare to welcome Laura Ritter, our new Minister of Music, on July 13.
From the very beginning, Fred brought a spirit of warmth, joy and collaboration to his work. A moment that stands out came early on: shortly after he agreed to serve, I shared with him my hopes for Advent. I wanted to preach about the songs in Luke’s Gospel—the Magnificat, the Benedictus, and others—and hoped the choir could bring them to life. Fred didn’t hesitate; he was all in. Thanks to his leadership, Advent was deeply meaningful to our congregation.
On behalf of the congregation and staff, we offer our heartfelt thanks to Fred for his faithful service. The transition from Vivian’s long and faithful ministry to new leadership could have been a challenge, but Fred’s steady presence, thoughtful planning, and immense talent have made it seamless. He led with excellence, humility and generosity, helping our Music Ministry remain vibrant and inspiring.
Fred, we are grateful for the gifts you have shared with us during this season of transition. We are especially thankful that your time with us is not ending—you will remain a cherished part of our church family and the Sanctuary Choir. What a gift it is to continue sharing in worship and community with you!
With Gratitude,
Rev. Carol McEntyre, Senior Minister
A Tribute to Fred DeFoor, Our Wonderful Interim Minister of Music
Having Fred DeFoor as our Interim Minister of Music has been an extraordinary blessing. Fred brought a steady, confident presence that reassured and inspired us all. With grace and professionalism, he seamlessly maintained the high standards of musicality, never missing a beat in upholding the excellence we’ve come to expect. Fred gave us more than strong leadership and beautiful music. He brought warmth, humor, and a sense of joy to every rehearsal. He made the process fun while still challenging us musically, keeping us motivated and engaged. Fred never let us lose sight of the deeper purpose of our work: serving the congregation through music ministry. He kept us grounded in the spirit of service, reminding us each week why we sing. Fred’s time with us has been marked by grace, talent and heart. We are deeply grateful for his leadership and the care he brought to this interim season.
—Danette Patterson, Sanctuary Choir President