By Anna Keller
Correspondent, The Alabama Baptist
Since 1978, Helen Matthews has held the role of organist at Pawnee Baptist Church, Birmingham. Now 97 years old, Matthews is still going strong and showing no signs of passing the baton anytime soon.
“I’m going to keep going as long as I can,” said Matthews, who was honored for her 39 years of service as church organist June 4 during the church’s homecoming service and celebration. She was presented with a cross and plaque during the service.
Matthews had never played the organ — or the piano, for that matter — prior to the late 70s but she said she’d always wanted to learn the instrument. She picked up a few piano tips from her children and then took a few organ lessons, practicing at the church as often as she could, before accepting the job as church organist.
“She’s been faithful to our church and playing the organ. I bet you could count on your hand the amount of services she’s missed,” said Karen Jenkins, a fellow Pawnee Baptist member and friend of Matthews.
Pawnee Pastor Joel Dison said he’s incredibly impressed with her commitment not just to playing the organ for the church but also her other contributions.
‘Dedicated’
“She’s one of the most dedicated ladies I’ve ever met,” he said. “She’s had some health issues and is always very upset when she can’t be there to play the organ.
“Among other things, she helped out in the kitchen when she was younger and more physically able and she still serves as Sunday School director today,” Dison said.
Becky Foster, a Pawnee member, said, “She’s a very faithful member of the church, and if there’s any way possible, she’s always there. Any time the door of the church is open, she’s there like a little Energizer Bunny. She just keeps on going.”
Profession of faith
Matthews is originally from Gary, Indiana, and was raised Catholic. She and her husband, Taylor (who was from the Birmingham area), moved to Alabama after he got out of military service. She said she became Baptist after talking with the church’s pastor who was a former Catholic himself. Matthews and her son were saved at the same time and were baptized together when her son was 12 years old.
Matthews has enjoyed being a member of Pawnee for many decades (she started attending back in the 50s) and describes it as “an incredibly welcoming” place.
“There’s a lot of love in the church and you’re greeted with open arms,” Matthews said. “Everyone looks out for each other and does what the Lord leads them to do. I have a lot of help and a lot of love from people at the church.”
That love from people at the church certainly goes both ways.
Music minister Jackie Bagby, who has been at Pawnee for nine years, said, “Without a doubt, she enjoys playing. “I enjoy hearing her play each week because she is using her talent to praise God.”
When she’s not at church, Matthews enjoys doing jigsaw puzzles. She and a group of ladies meet every afternoon to do puzzles and socialize over coffee and cookies.
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