Gessner’s music, ministry enriches lives

Mark Gessner (CONTRIBUTED)

Why I Love This Town

MADISON – Mark Gessner considers Madison “a wonderful mixing pot.”

“Individuals and therefore communities become stronger, better people and places when given the means to see others as equals and co-creators of freedoms and responsibilities of life,” he said.

Mark and Mary Jo Gessner moved to Madison in 1987 to accept ministerial positions at First Baptist Church of Madison. She serves as Minister of Pastoral Care. He is Minister of Music.

Their children, Jessye Gaines and Harris Gessner, are Bob Jones High School alumni. Jessye teaches in Bob Jones Engineering for Tomorrow Academy. Harris is choir director at James Clemens High School.

“Nothing tops watching your children grow, work hard, find some success and then give back to their community … which happens to be Madison!” Mark said. Also, “grandchildren are amazing.”

Mark believes children thrive when they feel loved, valued, safe and challenged “to do what might seem impossible. We tried at home to create that atmosphere, but we were helped greatly by school teachers and administrators; Sunday school teachers; music, dance and art teachers; other parents; and their great friends.”

For 27 years, Mark has held the position of fourth French horn in Huntsville Symphony Orchestra. He also has played with symphonies in Chattanooga, the Shoals and Gadsden, along with many Broadway shows and church programs. He has taught about 75 French horn students in North Alabama.

“Nothing compares to playing first horn for ‘The Nutcracker’ with Huntsville Ballet while my daughter danced as Clara … or conducting fantastic musicians at FBC Madison” in youth choir and productions of “Godspell” and “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.”

Mark volunteers for “Sowing Seeds of Hope” ministry in Marion for home and office construction. “We also support a ministry in New York City’s ‘Metro Baptist Church’ one week each fall. This year, we cooked and stored meals for homeless veterans and mothers for a warm meal while receiving life-coaching and Bible study,” he said.

Now that Thomas Pit BBQ closed, Mark has switched to Golden Rule Barbecue as a favorite eatery.

Born in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., he grew up in Port St. Lucie.