Music Ministry

Music is a vital expression of worship at Royal Lane Baptist Church, enriching our shared life of faith and drawing us closer to God and one another. Guided by Harry Wooten, our Minister of Music and Worship, who has faithfully served for over twenty-five years, the music ministry reflects both deep tradition and joyful creativity. In addition to his leadership at Royal Lane, Harry also conducts The Irving Chorale, sharing his musical gifts throughout the wider community.

Our Sanctuary Choir rehearses each Wednesday evening at 7:15 p.m., welcoming singers of all experience levels—from beginners to professionals. Every voice contributes to the beauty and spirit of our worship, and all are invited to participate.

Every other Wednesday at 6:00 p.m., our Handbell Choir gathers for rehearsal. This ensemble offers a joyful and distinctive way to praise through music, blending rhythm, teamwork, and expression.

On alternating Wednesdays, our Children’s Choir meets to sing, learn, and grow in faith. Through joyful song and musical exploration, children discover how their voices can share God’s love and light in worship.

In 2018, Royal Lane Baptist Church dedicated the Garland Pipe Organ, Opus 50, a beautiful instrument designed and built by Garland Pipe Organs of Fort Worth, Texas. Created to support congregational worship while also serving concerts, weddings, funerals, and special musical events, the organ stands as both a musical and spiritual centerpiece of our sanctuary.

The journey to this instrument began years earlier, as church members recognized that the congregation’s previous organ had reached the end of its life. Through the vision, generosity, and perseverance of the Organ Committee and countless members and friends of the church, the dream of a new instrument became a reality.

A Legacy of Worship The Garland Pipe Organ, Opus 50, was dedicated on May 8, 2018, to the glory of God and in honor of the ministry and leadership of Harry Wooten, Minister of Music and Worship.

Designed in the American eclectic tradition with a lean toward English tonal design, the organ was crafted specifically for Royal Lane’s worship space and acoustics. The instrument includes:

Three manuals and pedal 42 stops 51 ranks 3,113 pipes 7 digital voices

Several historic pipe ranks from earlier instruments were thoughtfully incorporated into the design, connecting the new organ to a broader heritage of sacred music and craftsmanship.

Built for Worship and Community The organ’s primary purpose is to lead congregational singing and enhance weekly worship at Royal Lane Baptist Church. At the same time, its versatility allows it to beautifully perform organ literature from many musical traditions and periods.

From quiet moments of reflection to triumphant hymn singing, the instrument was designed to fill the sanctuary with warmth, depth, and power.

As organ builder Dan Garland shared:

“Worship is always an extraordinary event, and one of the aspects that makes it so extraordinary is the singing of the hymns. The hymns of the church have so much solid theology in them that I think, in essence, the most important role of this instrument is to accompany those hymns so all can enjoy and absorb that theology.”

Gratitude and Dedication This instrument was made possible through the generosity of members, family, and friends of Royal Lane Baptist Church. We remain deeply grateful for every gift, prayer, and act of encouragement that brought this vision to life.

Special recognition is given to:

The Organ Committee Harry Wooten, Minister of Music and Worship Sheila Bright, Chair of the Organ Committee Dan Garland and the team at Garland Pipe Organs Tonal and Design Consultants Jason Alden and Danny Wesley Ray

Their dedication helped create an instrument that will serve Royal Lane Baptist Church and the Dallas community for generations to come.

Organ Dedication Concert The dedication concert featured acclaimed organist Patrick A. Scott, Assistant Organist-Choirmaster at the Episcopal Cathedral of Saint Philip in Atlanta, Georgia. The program included works by Johann Sebastian Bach, César Franck, Sir Edward Elgar, Henri Mulet, and an improvisation on submitted themes.

“Until We Sing” A special hymn, “Until We Sing,” was commissioned for the dedication of the organ. The text was written by former pastor C. David Matthews and the music composed by former organist Danny Wesley Ray.

“Voices, instruments and organ, stir our hearts until we sing!”

Visit Royal Lane Baptist Church We invite you to worship with us and experience the beauty and inspiration of sacred music at Royal Lane Baptist Church.

At Royal Lane, music is more than performance. It is a shared ministry of praise, fellowship, and inspiration. Whether you sing, ring, or simply love music, there’s a place for you in our vibrant community of worship.