Staff photo/ Bob Coupland Carol Armstrong, a member of Girard First Baptist Church, was honored recently for serving nearly 60 years as the church organist. She played her last Sunday earlier this month and was recognized by current and past congregation members.

GIRARD — After serving for nearly 60 years as the organist at Girard First Baptist Church, Carol Armstrong has decided it is time to retire from the position she has loved for so long.

Members of the church recently gathered to celebrate Armstrong and her musical abilities that have been part of church services and other events at the church at the corner of Kline and State streets. Armstrong has played both the organ and piano for many events in addition to her Sunday morning worship service.

In addition to being the organist, Armstrong also is a member of the church.

Armstrong, who is a graduate of Mineral Ridge High School, said she first played organ for the Mineral Ridge Methodist Church and then began playing the organ in 1967 in Girard and has continued every Sunday morning.

Former church pastor Burl Jernigan said it was a wonderful honor to work with Armstrong each weekend during the worship service.

“In all my ministries at different churches, I am thankful to God that he placed me with you. You have been so inspirational to me. We thank you for all of your years of labor of love through your music to this church,” Jernigan said.

He said Armstrong was always willing to play the songs needed for the moment and was a great accompanist during his solos.

“She loved to help others,” Jernigan said.

Armstrong said she has served with several ministers at the church and many choir members. She said if needed, she will fill in from time to time as an organist for the person replacing her.

On a table was a large plaque given to Armstrong that wished her happiness in her next chapter in life and thanked her for her dedicated service to the church.

Slvyia Holmes, a church member, said whenever Armstrong was asked to play the organ for a program, weddings, funerals or any event, she would.

“We would ask no matter what time of the year it was and she would be here. She would play music for the big cantatas we had at the church,” Holmes said.

John Reddinger, a church member, said Armstrog was asked in 1967 if she would be interested in filling in for a month or two as the organist, but that turned into a permanent position for the next 59 years.

“She would donate her time three or four times a week at the church. It was my father who asked her to play the organ, which I am glad he did,” Reddinger said.