Thomas Harn Westmoreland, 91, of Columbia, known to generations of South Carolina Baptists as the founding director of the state convention’s music department, died Dec. 23, 2016.

Born Jan. 28, 1925, in Greenville, he attended Berry College before being drafted into the U.S. Navy in 1943 during World War II. After the war, he attended Furman University and graduated with a B.A. in voice in 1949. At Furman he met his future wife, Gloria Jacqueline Wilson, an accomplished pianist. The couple continued their musical education at the Juilliard School of Music, where he earned degrees in voice and choral conducting.

Westmoreland began his career as director of the music department at Limestone College and later was minister of music at First Baptist Church of Pensacola, Fla. In December 1956 he was called to lead the newly formed church music department of the South Carolina Baptist Convention, where he served for 33 years, retiring in January 1990. He created numerous programs for ministers of music, pianists, organists, choir members and children’s music camps.

He was involved in a number of music mission projects, including trips to Cuba, the Philippines and Alaska. He formed the choral group of ministers of music from across the state called the Singing Churchmen. The group, still active today, has more than 100 members and travels the state, occasionally touring internationally on music missions.

Westmoreland sang solo concerts and appeared as a baritone soloist in operas and oratorios including Handel’s Messiah and Elijah. In retirement, he remained active by serving in several capacities at his church, Columbia First Baptist, and as a volunteer music leader at Camille Graham Griffin Correctional Institution.

He was predeceased by his wife of 52 years, Gloria, in 2003. Survivors include three children, six grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.