James Caldwell retired Dec. 31 as minister of music at Riverland Hills Baptist Church, Columbia, where he had served for 37 years, culminating 47 years in music ministry.
On Jan. 8, Riverland Hills honored Caldwell in a service that featured many of the music organizations of the church. Pastor Edward Carney named him minister of music emeritus and commissioned him to write a history of the church.
A plaque with a resolution from the South Carolina Senate was presented by Sen. John Courson.
Other recognitions included placing a bronze plaque in the new music suite naming it the James L. Caldwell Music Suite. An original composition, which was composed by Joseph Martin for Caldwell’s 25th anniversary at Riverland Hills, was sung by the adult choir.
The music ministry at Riverland Hills grew to more than 400 participants in choirs, handbells, tone chimes, orchestra, music dramas and operas, and a new music school that was begun last year.
During his ministry at Riverland Hills, Caldwell also chaired the department of music at Columbia College for 32 years.