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OBU—Oklahoma Baptist University

Dean, Professor, Alum Present Papers at Music Colloquium

October 15, 2009

Three representatives of Oklahoma Baptist University's Division of Music presented papers at Baylor's Colloquium on Baptist Church Music, Sept. 24-25, in Waco, Texas. The meeting celebrated the 400th anniversary of the first Baptist church.


Dr. Paul Hammond, dean of the Warren M. Angell College of Fine Arts, Dr. Lee Hinson, associate professor of church music, and Lance Peeler, a 2002 OBU alum, presented papers at the event.

"This colloquium was a gathering of Baptist scholars at which we explored various aspects of Baptist church music history and practice," Hammond said. "The subjects ranged from Chinese Baptist hymnals to the musical practices of contemporary Calvinistic Baptist churches. The papers and video presentations will be archived on the center's Web site. We were pleased to be able to contribute to a greater understanding of the diversity of Baptist church music. OBU was well-represented."

Hammond presented "Calvinism to Arminianism: Baptists and the Second Great Awakening." Dean of OBU's College of Fine Arts since 1986, Hammond earned his bachelor's degree at Morehead State University and his master's and doctorate degrees from Southern Baptist Theological Seminary.

Hinson presented "Baptist Hymnal 2008 As a Window into Southern Baptist Worship Culture." Hinson serves as coordinator of the Church Music Department. He earned his bachelor's degree at Baylor University; his master's degree in music at East Texas State University (now Texas A & M, Commerce); his master's degree in religious education from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary; and his doctorate from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary.

Peeler's paper was related to his doctoral dissertation at Drew University. It was titled "More Than Half a Fool: Elias Henry Johnson and Anglican Chant in Baptist Hymnals." Peeler received his bachelor's degree in music theory and composition from OBU, his master's of music degree from Westminster Choir College of Rider University, and his master's of philosophy degree from Drew University. Peeler currently teaches music theory at the Westminster Choir College and serves as the organist at Woodside Presbyterian Church in Yardley, Pa.