For most people who are new to First Baptist, the first glimpse they get of Eddie Haigler is of him bounding up the stairs to the front of the church to lead the congregation or the choir in song. That first impression is fitting, because Eddie has approached every day of his 22 years at First Baptist with the same enthusiasm.

Eddie, who grew up in Charlotte, came to First Baptist in 1984 after graduating from Wingate University and Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas. At the time, about 150 people attended worship at First Baptist. The music ministry consisted of one children’s choir and the adult choir. Today, First Baptist’s music ministry offers music opportunities for ages 2 to senior adults.

Five months after coming to First Baptist, Eddie began dating Jerri Presson. Three and a half years later, Jerri would become his wife. Jerri now is Assistant to the President for  Community Relations at Central Piedmont Community College. Their only child, William, was born in 1991.

When not at the church, Eddie enjoys working in his yard and garden. His musical tastes are eclectic, ranging from Christian to classical to jazz. He has a half-dozen preset stations on his car stereo, and uses them all.

Eddie’s favorite hymns include "It is Well With My Soul"," Holy, Holy, Holy" and "Praise to the Lord Almighty."

Eddie, who spends much of his time directing others, tries to live each day under the directions of Philippians 4:6-7: "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." "That’s something I’ve come to know well," Eddie says. Those who have come to know Eddie, know that it is true.