Former Petersburg Musician Installed as Music Director of Washington's Trinity Church

WASHINGTON - Oct. 16, 2013 - PRLog -- After serving a 7-month post as Acting Music Director at Washington's Trinity Episcopal Church, Petersburg native and VSU alumnus Patrick D. McCoy was installed as the church's Minister of Music in a formal service on Sunday, September 15, 2013.  In the presence of the congregation and a host of family and friends, McCoy also entered into covenant with the members of the Trinity Chancel Choir, who were commissioned for music minstry.  The service was led by The Rev'd Canon John T. W. Harmon, the church's pastor and rector.  Canon Harmon is formerly the rector of Saint Stephen's church in Petersburg, relocating to Washington in 2000.

"I used to play occasionally for Father Harmon when he was at Saint Stephen's, so to now have the opportunity to service in ministry with him in D.C. is indeed an honor.  I am especially grateful to the many members of Unity Baptist Church (where my mom is a faithful member)  who expressed their love financially to this new season of ministry."  McCoy said.

During the service of installation, the various symbols of music ministry were presented by members of the choir.  The organist/choirmaster surplice bestowed upon Patrick by his mother Velma McCoy-Pulley and choir member Sondra Legall, hymnals by Caroline Edwards, The Psalter by Carolyn Bryant, Oxford Book of Anthems by Carver King and Letter of Agreement by Dr. Vincent Adams The culmination of the installation was the presentation of the Conductor's Baton by Canon Harmon.

Several family friends and special guests were in attendance, including Mrs. Shelia Spikes, Mr. James E. Parrish, Mr. Brian Richardson, Dr. Scott Jackson Dantley, Dr. Michael Fain, Mr. Isaac K. Thweatt, Mr. Terrence Bradford Tarver, Ms. Dana Kristina-Joi Morgan, Washington Performing Arts Society President Jenny Bilfield with daughter Hallie Friedman, Terri Allen-Executive Director of the Coalition for African Americans in the Performing Arts and members of the Takoma Park Baptist Church music ministry.

Following a six year tenure as Director of Music and Organist at Covenant Presbyterian Church, McCoy moved to Washington, D.C. in 2006, where he recently served as Minister of Music at Takoma Park Baptist Church for six years. Named among the Forty Under 40 for Prince George's County for his contributions to the arts, he is the performing arts columnist for Washington Life Magazine. He is a newly appointed member of the Shenandoah University Alumni Board of Directors.