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I am writing you my report, because I will be leaving to go out of town for a few days. I have been asked to return to my home church to help celebrate my teacher's 70th anniversary as Musician for Central Baptist Church, York SC. Yes! 70 years! That is not a mistake. You do not hear of someone staying that many years at one place this day and time. I had to write a story of memories to be included in the celebration. It was one of the hardest tasks that I have ever been assigned to do. It was hard because there was so much to say, and a fear of leaving something out that is of importance.
Her name is Mrs. Frances Jones. I will not tell the length of my report here. I will suffice it to say that her musical abilities were endless, and her ear was keen. I will say that Frances has always had the gift of working with people of all age groups, from the very youngest to the oldest. This was in part because of her people skills. It is never enough just to know music. You must know something about how to convince and inspire persons to move from one level to yet a higher level. This ability to connect with people, combined with her talent and keen ear, made even the less talented to be their best at all times. This is further attested by the fact that after she tried to retire from choral directing the church had to call her back to work with the youth and children on more than one occasion. So in reality, she never retired.
I will say more about her in the next newsletter. I bring her up as we come to the end of the choir season, ending on Trinity Sunday. I hope I have inspired choristers in the choir and parish members alike to move from one level to yet a higher level. I hope you have enjoyed the music that you have heard in the worship services this year, and I hope it has lifted you up and inspired you to a new level. It is my hope that the music at All Saints will transport worshippers to experience a little of heaven on earth.
I am not going to tell you anything about what might be on my mind for next year. I will tell you that I have met with at least one local music instructor in the school system about starting an additional program here in the fall. It looks hopeful that it will be a great addition for our church ministry.
I concluded my tribute to Frances with this quote: "Well done, thou good and faithful servant!" Matt. 25:21. I will always remember her with grateful thanks, always and every day that I live, because of what she shared with me and so many others in her life.
Steven Branyon