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Carpenter's Wood: A Legacy of Worship and Missions

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Carpenter's Wood is the longest-standing ensemble in the Winters School of Music, originally formed as a contemporary worship group to provide students with a creative escape from their classical studies. As contemporary music became more integrated into the department, the ensemble evolved into one of four worship groups at the university.

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Dr. Katrina Cox, the current director, was once a member of Carpenter’s Wood during her undergraduate years. In 2022, she stepped into leadership after the previous director retired following 25 years of service. Under Dr. Cox’s guidance, the ensemble shifted from contemporary worship to Gospel, continuing its original mission of offering students a fresh and expressive musical outlet. Today, Carpenter’s Wood maintains a demanding travel schedule, ministering at churches, schools, and events throughout South Mississippi.

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Missions have always been central to Carpenter’s Wood, aligning with William Carey’s vision. After a brief pause in international outreach due to COVID-19, the group reignited its global mission efforts by traveling to Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, in 2023. There, they ministered through music in churches, schools, and communities, while also opening doors for student recruitment. As a result, two current members, Jassiel Espinal and Thania Espin, joined the university through this initiative.

For over 50 years, Carpenter’s Wood has been spreading the message of Jesus—and we have no plans of slowing down.