Tony Childers began playing the piano for church services at the age of nine, and he has served as church organist since 1978 in a variety of settings. He studied organ at Stetson University and Valdosta State. He moved to Carrollton in 1989 to become the organist of First United Methodist Church and held that post for 35 years. He was instrumental in the design and installation of that church’s new pipe organ in 2008. Tony was an educator in Carroll County Schools for 30 years and retired after being principal of Central Elementary School for 13 years in 2017. In retirement, he has continued to serve as church organist and choir director in the United Methodist congregations. As a music leader in Carrollton, he has worked with local organists to develop and perform The Way of the Cross, a program based on readings from Stations of the Cross, and Carrollton Choir Festivals, a joint choral program of local church choirs with the choral program of UWG. As Interim Organist/Choirmaster of St. Margaret’s Episcopal Church, he hopes to continue the strong musical traditions of the church and support them in moving forward into the future.