2023 CDF Proctor Institute Leadership

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Dr. Eli Wilson, Jr.

Director of the Resurrection Choir and Minister of Music

Dr. Eli Wilson, Jr.

Dr. Eli Wilson, Jr., is a native of New Orleans. He is an ordained minister of music with 32 years of full-time service. He founded Eli Wilson Ministries: A Church Music Leadership Educational Resonance Ministry.

Dr. Wilson is an independent solo artist with nine recordings to his credit: “Introducing Eli Wilson, Jr.: ‘God’s Word Shall Stand Forevermore;” “Pure and Simple;” “In My Quiet Time;” “For His Glory;” “Conversations with God;” “The Thoughts of My Heart;” “The Best of Eli Wilson Jr., Volume One;” “The Best of Eli Wilson Jr., Volume Two;” and “Christmas Is Christ.”

Dr. Wilson’s compositions have been recorded by Babbie Mason, Keith Pringle, Ben Hill United Methodist Church, and Trinity United Church of Christ. His music has also been published in The African American Heritage Hymnbook, Zion Still Sings, The New Century Hymnbook, New Wine in Old Wine Skins, and The African American Church Music Series.

Dr. Wilson is the author of “Equipping the Church Choir for Ministry,” a weekly music and teaching series on YouTube.

Dr. Wilson completed his undergraduate studies at Dillard University in vocal music education and his post-graduate studies at Colgate-Rochester Divinity School and Eastman School of Music in Christian education and sacred Music. He also holds an Honorary Doctorate from Virginia Seminary and College.

Dr. Wilson was the worship leader and a workshop facilitator at the Hampton University Ministers’ Conference. He is a certified life coach and Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. member.

Dr. Wilson is married to Brenda Marie Simmons-Wilson. Together, they have two sons, Eli III and LeVar Antoine, and two grandchildren, Elijah and Nahla.

Dr. Wilson is retired from the local church music ministry and is now committed to working with church music leaders nationwide.