I was saved as a nine year old boy in First Baptist Church of Hollis, Oklahoma. We were in a week of revival with the Baker Brothers. Bo and Dick Baker were preaching and leading music. I had started piano when I was seven. I remember being mesmerized by Dick Baker. They pulled and extra piano on to the platform for the week and Dick would lead music sometimes from the pulpit and sometimes from the piano and then he would sing solos from the piano. Bo, Dick's brother not only preached but played trumpet with Dick. I had never heard two trumpets play together like that. There were over 40 saved that week and my Pastor baptized right at 40 on the following Sunday evening.
As a nine year old, when I saw Dick play the piano and sing, I told my Mother that some day I was going to do that. I got some sheet music from them that week. My favorites were "Longing for Jesus", "Mighty Things", and "His Way-Mine". Ever since I was nine, I have sat down on a regular basis and played and sung, . . .
"God has a place for every planned creation; a path for every star to go.
He drew the course for every river's journey, now I know He has a place for me.
I place my life in the hands of God. Those hands so scarred now outstretched for me.
Wherever it may be, over land, over sea;
May thy will divine, O Thou God divine, be mine.
Those words and that song have been used by God's Spirit to lead me for more than 50 years in music and worship ministry. I was able to talk with Dick on many occasions and remind him of how God had used him in the life of a little nine year old boy in a small town in Southwest Oklahoma to bring about a life of music and worship ministry inspired by the Lord through him.
Dick and Bo were in evangelism for many years. Then Dick served as Minister of Music at Prestonwood for several years and retired there. Bo went home to be with the Lord a couple of years ago and Dick's wife, Ann passed away about a year ago. Dick's funeral will be at Prestonwood on Saturday at 2:00 p.m.
By the way, the Baker Brothers were from just north of Rockwall, There home place was in Farmersville and he will be buried there. Thanks Dick for a life of music and worship ministry! mjm
For more information go to www.HisWayMine.com
For more information go to www.HisWayMine.com
