Someone You Should Know — Marjorie Hall

Favorite Hymn: “He Keeps Me Singing”

Hobbies: Gardening, crocheting, sewing, oil painting

Family Status: Wife of 67 years to husband, Joe Hall; sons, Terry Hall and Tim Hall; daughters, Thoma Schooling and Susan Michalik; eight grandchildren; two great-grandchildren

Eighty-six-year-old Marjorie Hall, of Gadsden, has been the organist at her church for 70 years. Neither cancer nor a broken wrist stopped her in the past; nor is macular degeneration impeding her now. In the past Hall served her church as Girls in Action director and a Sunday School teacher. During 50 years of teaching piano lessons she instructed as many as 300 students. 

Q: What influences in your life pointed you to Christ at the beginning of your faith journey?

A: My early Sunday School teachers. One stands out. She loved us and we knew it. She gave us Bible study and living skills. I became a Christian at 12 years old. I wanted Jesus in my life. Jesus gave me a song and He never left me. I have guarded against straying and having a mark against myself, my family and my God.

Q: When and how were you led into your ministry work?

A: We moved into this community when I was a 10-year-old girl. I had started taking piano when I was 9. James Memorial was James Chapel. One Wednesday night they didn’t have anybody to play the piano. Those people let me play “What a Friend We Have in Jesus” and “Sweet Hour of Prayer.” That whetted my interest. I went home and learned more songs in case they let me play again. At the age of 15, I was the first elected pianist James Chapel had. About ’55, I started playing the organ at church.

Q: What does your ministry work demand?

A: It demands a lot of time. I spend a lot of time practicing on extra music we have. It demands that I be ready to play for funerals; I have played 25–45 minutes before a (funeral) service. If I’m not prayed up and practiced up when I go to the organ (for a church service) and I can’t play with satisfaction that I’ve practiced enough, if I can’t feel it, how can anybody else feel it?

Q: What do you get from your ministry work?

A: I get satisfaction that I have done my best. I get discipline from my music. Blessing other people with my music.

Q: How do family members support you?

A: Had I not married a person who would support me, I would never have been able to do this for 70 years. He had to take up where I left off at the house. Also, I had a mother and daddy who lived close by. Without that support (of my family), I never would have made it.

Q: What difference will this ministry work make for you in the future?

A: I plan to play the piano and organ for as long as I can. I hope my Savior can say, “Well done, My good and faithful servant.”

Q: What difference has Jesus Christ made in your life?

A: He’s made all the difference. I could not have gone through things I’ve gone through without Him. He has been my Rock.