A Brief History
Music Department
Evangel University 1955-2008
Compiling what he describes as “a brief history of the Music Department at Evangel University,” Dr. Joseph Nicholson has rendered a great service to the University by making it possible for us to preserve a remarkable heritage.
No one would be more uniquely qualified or positioned to provide historical perspective that would extend from the earliest days of Evangel to the present time. Dr. Nicholson came to the campus at a relatively young age for a faculty member and developed along with the Music program, eventually becoming the Chairman of the Department and contributing immensely to the stature that it enjoys today.
Joseph Nicholson was greatly influenced by a family structure that established priorities that have remained consistent throughout his career. Deeply spiritual and passionate about excellent performance, Joe Nicholson inspired fellow faculty and students to dedicate their talents to the Lord and to find meaningful places of service in the church. It is through these “lens” of faith that he chronicles the events of the past decades.
Evangel has been blessed with incredibly talented people. From its very beginning, outstanding musicians responded to the opportunity to help establish and shape a department that embodied the highest standards of musicianship and sensitivity to the ministry of the Holy Spirit. Predictably, extraordinarily talented students were attracted by the opportunity to be taught and coached by these gifted professors.
This brief summary of activity and exciting developments, extending over more than half a century, will revive memories on the part of former students as well as faculty. The warm and personal vignettes of the people who have been a part of Evangel will help provide understanding of Evangel as a university with a unique mission. Dr. Nicholson has generously recognized faculty, staff and students.
The Music Department of Evangel, as well as the entire institution, continues to grow and develop because of the great and many times sacrificial contributions of people like Joseph Nicholson. All of us associated with Evangel are deeply indebted to these “pioneers” whose vision not only inspired them but energized thousands of others. We thank the Lord for these special people and all their labors.
Robert H. Spence, President
Evangel University