By Kelly Wise Legg
After nearly 16 years leading Sunset Bay Chapel in Lithia, more than 350 well-wishers will gather to say farewell to founding Pastor Galen Scott and his wife, Tandy on Sunday, September 28.
Amidst the congregation, there will be friends of the Scotts from across the state helping celebrate this monumental event with a worship and praise service filled with music that Pastor Scott has performed throughout the years.
“These are some of the finest musicians I have ever worked with and my dream was that I would be able to do one last stage experience together again,” said Scott.
Scott was raised in New England but eventually moved to Southern California where he fell in love with the performing arts. He graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in music and performance from the University of California at Stanislaus. This is also where he met and married his wife in 1972.
“Both Tandy and I felt called into the ministry and we both began our training at Modesto Baptist Church in music and discipleship,” said Scott.
Throughout his career, Scott has served in many capacities including youth and children’s music minister and various art ministries. In addition, he also recorded an album entitled Galen.
“We continued to introduce people in the church to the theater arts and major productions,” said Scott.
In 1983, the Scotts moved to Florida where he accepted the position of Minister of Music at Bell Shoals Baptist Church in Brandon.
“Here we saw God do incredible things. We introduced the church to The Children’s Music Circus, theater productions, recorded three albums and took several production companies to England and Europe,” said Scott.
In 1998, the Scotts were called to begin Sunset Bay Chapel with approximately 25 people that has grown to more than 350 members.
“Here we have seen God take the impossible and turn it into possible,” said Scott. “From moving five times to different meeting places to seeing God’s hand in providing us our final home in the FishHawk Community, one miracle after another. What a ride it has been.”
After retirement, the Scotts plan to do some traveling, visiting friends, gardening and golfing.
“My heart has always been to bring all the attention to Jesus, remain grateful for taking a nobody and making him a somebody and to bring as much joy, fun and adventure to the Christian life,” said Scott.
The retirement service will take place on Sunday, September 28 at 10 a.m. at Sunset Bay Chapel located at 6026 Churchside Dr. in the FishHawk Community in Lithia. For more information, visit www.sunsetbaychapel.com.
