Kenneth McMillen, musical director for Community Congregational Church of Pacific Beach (UCC), was recently honored at a special service celebrating his 50 years in Christian music ministry. Former choir members, who had been directed by McMillen, sang with the Pacific Beach choir. Musical selections included five contemporary anthems and traditional hymns as well as those of the current generation. “It was so exciting to work with many of my former choir members, of all denominations, at this special event,” McMillen said. “It was a wonderful opportunity to catch up with what is going on musically as well as their lives.” McMillen learned to play piano at age five, and the organ at age 10. When he was 12, he was cast as Amahl in a San Diego Symphony production of “Amahl and the Night Visitors.” At the age of 15, he was hired as the organist at 32nd Street Naval Station. Following his 1963 graduation from Sweetwater High School, he joined the Navy and served as organist/choir director at bases in Florida, Japan and the Philippines. He comes by his musical talents naturally as both his mother and grandmother were church organists. Upon his return to the states, he sang in the Choir of Men and Boys at Grace Cathedral in San Francisco. After his release from the service in 1974, he returned to San Diego and earned a music degree from California State University, Fullerton. McMillen’s intent was to teach music in the school system. However, the passage of Prop 13 forced him to change his course of study as the university dropped its music teaching credential program. While attending college, he served as organist at the First Baptist Church in National City. After graduation, he assumed the duties of organist/choirmaster at Saint Luke’s Episcopal in San Diego for 10 years. He then became choir director at First United Methodist Church in National City and later at Mission Hills United Methodist Church. He was also the organist/choir director at St. Philip’s Episcopal, Lemon Grove, and minister of music at the Church of the Good Shepherd (Episcopal) in Bonita. More recently, the semi-retired McMillen did volunteer work at several churches in San Diego and a year ago accepted his director of music position at the Community Congregational Church of Pacific Beach (UCC). He is a member of the National Association of Church Musicians and serves as the organist for the Scottish Rite’s degree productions and business meetings in Mission Valley. “I have had a very rewarding career and especially love choral direction,” McMillen said. “I get so much satisfaction drawing the music out of people. I’ve helped people who did not feel comfortable singing at all to become soloists. Good choral direction involves integrating the music with the message of the service. A choir should enhance the experience, not just perform.” When not involved in musical ministry, McMillen said he enjoys classical and big band music of the 1930s and 1940s. “Mr. McMillen is one of the most gifted vocal, piano, organ and choral director musicians I have worked with in more than 40 years in parish ministry. His professionalism, sense of humor and amazing talent combine to make him superb in his field,” said Rev. Jerry Lawritson, the church’s pastor. “Our congregation is so proud that we had the opportunity to celebrate this milestone in his life. Our choir members feel they have a much stronger presence since his arrival. He is a great asset to our church family.” Community Congregational Church of Pacific Beach, United Church of Christ, is located at 2088 Beryl St.