By faith, and in accordance to the Perfect Will of God, has been declared unto us that the Holy Spirit hath rested upon the heart of Byron L. Preston; and it has come to pass that he heard, took heed, stood and boldly testified that, “unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ.” Byron L. Preston, the only begotten of Alfred and Helen Preston was born September 2, 1966 in Brooklyn, New York. Pastor’s early childhood achieved its fullness when, at the tender age of five, his father placed his hands on the piano and it was then that his unusual gift and adaptation to music began to unfold and it has been blessedly manifested for more than 40 years. Pastor Preston’s lifetime commitment to expanding the Kingdom of God is complimented by an extensive transcript of scholarship from:
• Five Towns College of Music
• SUNY at Old Westbury
• Dowling College
• College of LaVerne
• University of Missouri
• The MKW Religious Training Institute
His pastoral preparation was honed as the Assistant Pastor and Dean of Music of the Galilee COGIC, Riverhead, NY 11901 under the leadership of Dr. Roy L. Pennon, Sr. He also served the Church of God in Christ Little Zion, Freeport, New York under the leadership of Bishop Frank Otha White and Bishop Frank Anthone White in the music department and ministerial staff for over 15 years. Pastor Preston’s music ministry was expanded through his service as Minister of Music of the South Center District for 5 years and the Minister of Music of the Third Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction, Eastern New York (Church of God in Christ) for 25 years. The seeds of Truth were planted in the spirit of this young warrior in the home as well as during his formative years spent as a member of the Greater Second Baptist Church, Freeport, New York under the pastorate of Dr. E. Mitchell Mallette. There, he learned the importance of “remembering the Lord in his youth” and the virtues of rendering devoted, sincere, reasonable service. “I’ll go,” affirms Pastor Preston. “I’m willing to do the will of my Father.” In practice, Pastor Preston is an educator, counselor, exhorter and boldly-spoken witness for Christ and possesses a genuine concern and unfeigned zeal for soul-winning. He is gainfully employed as a Music Educator for the Center Moriches UFSD, Center Moriches, NY. Notwithstanding, he remains a preferred artist in great demand across the state for his skillful musicianship. He views these experiences in the music industry as “the ideal and most useful vehicle for spreading the Word of God.” Pastor Preston’s compelling and prolific ministry across the nation continues to thrive through all of his sons. The encouragement, personal blessings, and devoted support of his wife, Joy and children, Byron R., Jordan, Jalyn, Jonathan, and Aaron are greatly appreciated.
First lady Dr. Joy Preston, Praise & Worship Leader, Joycelyn C. Tolbert, was born on November 21st, the daughter and second child of the late Mother Harriet Jacqueline Smith-Tolbert and Deacon J. James Tolbert. It was in the Brentwood Public Schools where Lady Joy Preston was first exposed to classical music and started to play the violin at age 11. Joy excelled in the junior high school Orchestra often sitting first chair as Concert Mistress. When she went to high school, she continued with music and joined the choir, music theory, and the drama club. At the age of 17, Lady Joy graduated from high school with musical honors earning the Hallmark Musician’s Award for all around best musician, Concert Mistress award in the Orchestra, lead soloist in the choir, leading lady in the high school play, and singing Whitney Houston’s song “The Greatest Love of All” at the graduation ceremony.
Lady Preston went on to college in Potsdam, New York and attended the Crane School of Music. She graduated with her Bachelor’s Degree at the age of 21. She went to graduate school at the SUNY Stony Brook University and earned her Master’s Degree. In 2018, Lady Joy earned an honorary Doctorate Degree in Ministry from the Anointed By God Ministries Alliance and Seminary.
Lady Joy started working as an Orchestral Director in the Patchogue-Medford School District in 1990. As one of her life goals, she took a 2½ year leave to live and teach in Atlanta, Georgia. In Atlanta Public Schools, she taught Middle and Elementary Chorus and General music taking her students to state competition (GMEA) and earning the highest rating of Superior. In the Gwinnett County Schools, she taught middle School Orchestra receiving high accomendations. Upon returning to Patchogue-Medford Schools in New York, she was warmly welcomed back at her first concert with a 5 minute standing ovation after the completion of her program. Lady Joy continues to work in the Patchogue Medford Middle Schools today.
She is a member of the Long Island String Festival Association (LISFA), the Suffolk County Music Educator’s Association (SCMEA), and the Islip Friends of the Arts Council. Lady Joy now resides in East Moriches, New York with her wonderful husband, Byron Lee and her five sons.
Copyright © 2022 Life Empowerment Worship Center - All Rights Reserved.
Powered by Brand House Inc