Ricky Mason

Since graduating in 1968, I served two churches as Music and Youth Director while I was in college. Since then, I have served as Senior Pastor of six churches here in the Southeast for the past 46 years. Since 2005, I have greatly enjoyed being the pastor of First Baptist Church of Maggie Valley and am now retired from the pastorate. I am now serving as Interim Pastor at Lake Junaluska 1st Baptist Church. It has been fantastic to be back home! I would highly recommend it!!!

When I was in the 9th grade at the old WTHS, being a member of the high school band was a brand new experience for me. Before the first home football game, we had practiced doing our show from the end zone where the gym was located. For some reason, Mr. Crocker decided to come onto the field from the other end zone that night. I was already so nervous about that first show that I wasn't thinking clearly, so his decision threw me a curve. So I thought since we were coming onto the field from the opposite end zone, then I was supposed to do the show I had learned completely the opposite way. And that's what I did! Base horn and all!!! It wasn't funny that night, but I have laughed a lot about it since then!