Rev. Frank Mearn Byrdwell, Jr. was born on June 30,1937. Byrdwell showed an interest in music at the age of three years old by playing the piano with his thumbs. Byrdwell attended Edison High School and graduated as the Salutatorian for his class in 1955. He graduated from Fresno State College as the first organ major for the college.
Byrdwell attended Second Baptist Church of Fresno, California where he accepted Jesus as his Lord and Savior at an early age. He directed the church choir and was the church organist while in high school and college. Byrdwell accepted his call to ministry and attended the American Baptist Seminary of the West graduating with a Master of Divinity degree. Byrdwell married Phyllis McDonald in 1963. The couple moved to Seattle, Washington in 1966 and headed the Music Ministry at Mount Zion Baptist Church for over 50 years. Their marriage was graced with two sons, Frank III and Fred.
Rev. Byrdwell served as the Assistant Pastor of Mount Zion Baptist Church, with emphasis in Christian Education and Music. He also worked 32 years as the Assistant Registrar for the University of Washington.
A Homegoing service will be held at Mount Zion Baptist Church, 1634 19th Avenue, on Tues., May 1 at 10:00 a.m.
