Happy New Year, friends!

As many of you have heard and seen, the beginning of 2020 at FBC will be marked by welcoming Michael McCarthy into the family as our Director of Church Music. He has already thrilled our souls at this year’s Christmas Eve service and will begin leading us in worship this Sunday.

Michael’s delightful accent gives away the fact that he, as is often said, “Ain’t from around here.” He is a native of Cork, Ireland and his entire life has been centered around his love of music. Passionate and gifted, Michael studied at the London Conservatory for Music and Stephens College here in the states. It was there he met and married his lovely, talented wife Stephanie. For two decades he lived out his calling on the stages of London’s West End, Broadway and around the world. He is best known for his 5,000 plus performances as Inspector Javert in the classic Les Miserables.

The McCarthy’s make their home in St. Petersburg where Michael works with the drama department at Shorecrest Academy. Stephanie also teaches music at that school, where their son C’ian attends. Throughout his career, even when doing eight shows a week, Michael found a way to share his gifts in and through the church, most recently serving at Northeast Presbyterian Church in St. Pete’s Shore Acres. He brings that heart for worship and musical excellence with him to First Baptist and we could not be more pleased. Come start the New Year with us in worship and welcome Michael as he begins what we hope is a long and wonderful season of music and ministry.