Willie B Barthel Jr

Willie B. Barthel Jr. began his music career as a child. Growing up at Greater Liberty Temple Church of God In Christ, Willie was asked to play one Sunday night in the absence of the current church musician. He sat down and started playing organ and the rest is history.
Willie's stepfather, the late William "Bill" Rash (and mother Evangelist Jean Rash) raised him and was a gifted gospel recording artist. He was very supportive of his 'son' and strongly encouraged him to pursue his musical gifts and talents.
Willie is currently Director of Music & Arts at the historic Mt. Olivet Baptist Church in Columbus, Ohio where the honorable Dr. Charles E. Booth serves as Senior Pastor. Willie is responsible for the choirs, mime, dance, step and media ministries. Under his leadership the church began its Music Academy to help train and develop current and future music personnel. Willie has taught at Raise Productions, a local gospel music school headed by the renowned Dr. Raymond Wise. Willie also served as adjunct faculty at Columbus State Community College where he was the first Gospel Choir Director.
Willie had the opportunity to share the stage with some of gospel music's greatest artists including: Dr. Mattie Moss Clark, The Clark Sisters, Fred Hammond, Commissioned, The Mississippi Mass Choir, Lexi and Witness, to name a few.
God has blessed Willie to obtain his Associates of Applied Science Degree in Micro computing Technology from Columbus State Community College, his Bachelor of Science Degree in Information Technology from Wilberforce University and his Masters of Arts in Church Music Degree from Trinity Lutheran Seminary.
Willie has shared his musical gifts and talents in various denominations such as: The Church of God In Christ, the Baptist Church, the Lutheran Church, the Catholic Church, the Methodist Church and Interdenominational churches. Willie has the unique ability to adapt to various environments and audiences in order to relay the gospel via song.
Willie has been invited to numerous workshops, concerts, conferences, prisons, schools, and colleges to share the good news thru music.
Willie is thankful that God has chosen him to be a blessing to the body of Christ!!