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One of the Triad's greatest treasures is High Point resident Anthony Dean Griffey, a four-time Grammy award-winning tenor and international opera star.

Despite so much talent and success, he's humble and very generous in using his gifts to help out his hometown.

Today, Griffey sang during the 11 a.m. worship service at my church, First Presbyterian in High Point. The large sanctuary was filled with members and visitors, who no doubt all were uplifted by the experience.

It happened because Griffey agreed to be "auctioned" during our missions fundraiser last fall. He would sing at the church of whomever agreed to donate the most to local charities, including Open Door Ministries. The amount turned out to be more than $1,000.

Griffey sang "A Simple Song" from Mass by Leonard Bernstein, and joined our choir for the anthem, "It Is Well With My Soul" (John Ness Beck arrangement) and the postlude, "Fare Ye Well" (Brazeal Dennard arrangement).

He concluded that final spiritual with a high B, which Griffey calls his "money note." The rare tenor who can hit that note can do well for himself.

Of course, Griffey does well for others.

He enjoys giving back to his community, which nurtured his talent through encouraging music leaders at High Point Central High School and First Baptist Church.

He urges church parents and grandparents to get their kids involved in church music programs because, as he sees it, with public schools cutting back on arts education, it's going to be up to churches to provide musical enrichment.

It certainly was enriching to have Tony Griffey raise high notes to God in worship at First Presbyterian in High Point today.