For six decades, Phyllis M. Byrdwell has used music as a form of ministry, education and service, helping shape generations of worshippers and musicians at Mount Zion Baptist Church and throughout the Seattle community.
In September, Mount Zion will celebrate Byrdwell’s 60th anniversary as the church’s minister of music with a weekend of events recognizing her contributions to the church and the broader community.
The celebration will begin with a special dinner at 5 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 12, in Mount Zion’s Jessie L. Shields Fellowship Hall. The celebration will continue during the church’s 10 a.m. worship service Sunday, Sept. 13, followed by a reception where members of the congregation and community will have an opportunity to congratulate Byrdwell.
Over the course of her ministry, Byrdwell has shared her musical gifts in numerous roles, including as a soloist, keyboardist, pianist, organist, composer and choir director.
Her influence has also extended well beyond the walls of Mount Zion.
Byrdwell is a member of the American Choral Directors Association and has served on the boards of the Washington Music Educators Association and Seattle Symphony. She was elected a lifetime director of the Seattle Symphony in recognition of her contributions and was inducted into the Washington Music Educators Association’s Hall of Fame.
Seattle Pacific University also recognized Byrdwell as one of five legendary gospel music directors in the Seattle-Tacoma area.
Her work as an educator continues today. In addition to her ministry at Mount Zion, Byrdwell serves as a guest lecturer at the University of Washington, where she teaches a gospel music class, extending the musical knowledge and traditions that have been central to her decades of service to another generation of students.
Mount Zion’s celebration reflects the significance of a ministry that has spanned 60 years and reached across worship, performance and education. The church is inviting members of the congregation and the wider community to participate in the anniversary events.
The anniversary dinner will be held at Mount Zion Baptist Church, 1634 Rev. Dr. S. McKinney Ave. in Seattle. Tickets are $50 and can be purchased through the church’s website. The following morning’s anniversary worship service begins at 10 a.m., with a reception immediately afterward.
