Glenda Allen, who has played organ and piano in churches for 64 years, was honored Oct. 17 by Springdale Baptist Church when she retired after four decades of service to the West Columbia congregation.
Glenda Allen is presented a plaque by pastor Tommy McGill commemorating her 40 years of service as a musician at Springdale Baptist Church, West Columbia.She received a letter from Congressman Joe Wilson congratulating her for her dedication to God and her church. She also was presented 40 roses representing her 40 years of service to Springdale, as well as a plaque and a large nativity scene. She received cards and gifts from members and friends.
She began playing piano at Westside Baptist Church, West Columbia, in 1946 at the age of 11 and then studied organ. After she married Jim Allen, she moved to Newport News, Va., and played at churches for several years in Virginia, where she also was a minister of music. The Allens moved back to Cayce in 1969, and she began her service to Springdale the following year.
In her early years, she played for Sunday school assemblies, RAs and GAs, Wednesday prayer meetings, Brotherhood, and other services and meetings. In recent years, she played mainly for Sunday services.
In addition to her service as a church musician, she also taught piano lessons and played for weddings and funerals in the community.
George Haltiwanger, minister of music at First Baptist Church, Moncks Corner, worked with Allen from 1978-1984 at Springdale, and called her a “wonderful Christian lady” who supported his work as minister of music and youth.
“Not only did she have excellent?musical skill, but the attitude in which she performed he duties was done with such love and devotion for her savior,” Haltiwanger said. “You could tell from her playing and from her eyes. There was love in her heart as she served to give God all the glory through the music she made.
“As she quietly served inside and outside the church building, you?could tell?that she knew her mission was to win the lost and to use her music to draw them to Jesus. I praise God for Glenda and the opportunity to serve with her and call her friend.”