Edna Bailey celebrates 50 years of directing one choir

This Sunday, the congregation welcomes former choir members, and other guests, to celebrate and honor Edna Bailey for five decades of music ministry at the church. The special service will feature mostly music, led by Mrs. Bailey. Pastor Chris Taylor told us, “Edna is a consummate professional. My very first Sunday, I remember making a mental note that this church’s best energies were located primarily in the chancel.”

Bailey, a New Jersey native, graduated from Wyoming Seminary and Westminster Choir College. She moved to Union in 1960 with her husband, James W Bailey Jr., and their daughters Sharon and Lynn. Soon afterwards, she accepted the position of Director of Music at Townley Presbyterian Church. In addition to serving the church, she taught vocal music in the Roselle Park school system for 25 years. She also sang for many years with the Choral Art Society of New Jersey.