ROCKIN' RECORD

Local Guiness Book champ says drum kit mark tops 340

Earning the distinction and Guinness World Record for the largest drum set at 340 pieces, minister and musician Mark Temperato says his drum kit has had a “1,200 hour revamp that crushes his own world record.”

He expects to release the new total soon.

Temperato, or Rev M as many know him by, is featured in the 2013 Guinness World Record book with photos of the drum kit and his story, unique to say the least.

He grew up in Avon and began playing drums in local establishments such as the Avon Inn.  Later he studied at the Eastman School of Music in Rochester and has enjoyed a successful performing career for 40 years that has teamed him with some high profile musicians.

Rev M loves music; he loves playing the drums. He will also tell you that he left his ego behind years ago and since then has used his performing ability, and his massive world record holding drum set, as a way to share his Christian faith. He’s been an ordained minister since 1983.

“It’s part of my gifting, playing and ministering,” Temperato said.

Temperato holds three doctoral degrees and has been preaching in full time ministry for more than 30 years. He plays drums with the worship band and preaches at his Lakeville church, Breath of Worship. He says the drum kit is a representation of his faith and that every piece in it has a purpose. His preaching of the gospel may be from within the drum kit or from the pulpit, but he is always sharing his faith.

“Of the several hundred rhythm instruments in the set, there is only one bass drum, representing the one God, one way to heaven. There are 75 different items with the drum kit that represent my faith,” Temperato said.

The drum set has been a work in progress for more than 35 years, he says, much like his own life.  His story appears in the Guinness Record book and in numerous online stories, which have prompted widespread feedback.

“People from around the nation are calling it a piece of art,” Temperato said.

Just last week Ripley’s Believe or Not contacted Temperato to say they are interested in using his massive drum set as the topic of their daily cartoon.   “I’m not sure what’s going to become of it, but everything has a purpose. I’ll give Him the credit,” he said.

The drum kit is permanently set up in the sanctuary of Breath of Worship Church, 3100 Rochester Rd., Lakeville. Rev M likes big things because hanging behind the drums is the world’s largest symphonic gong, measuring 7 feet in diameter . The gong was made in Germany exclusively for Mark Temperato Ministries. He invites school groups to take a trip to Lakeville to see the enormous world record holding drum set.

Temperato and his wife Rhonda have been married for 33 years and they have four children, David, 25; Lisa, 23; Michael, 19 and Mark, 16. The family is involved in the church music ministry. Worship services are at 10 a.m. and 7 p.m. on Sundays and 7 p.m. on Wednesdays