Carole Eagerton said it’s not a big deal, not worth making a fuss over. She said when you play the organ and the piano at church, one service at a time, it doesn’t take long to add up to 20,000 services.
You heard that right — 20,000.
She’s been behind the keyboard at Capitol Heights Baptist Church in Montgomery for 60 years, plus a few months.
“Back in the day, we had three services a week, choir practices, choir programs, weddings and funerals,” Eagerton said. “It adds up quickly.”
But the congregation of Capitol Heights Baptist thinks it’s a big deal. On Feb. 9, they celebrated her retirement with a reception for more than 100 people. People shared stories and spoke of their appreciation for her longevity and commitment.
Renee Dodson, a member of Capitol Heights Baptist, said it is an “absolutely amazing” accomplishment.
“We’re so grateful for her,” she said.
Eagerton was 24 years old and had four small children when she first came to Capitol Heights Baptist as the organist — and she already had 12 years’ experience.
“I was 12 years old at Forest Park Baptist, and we began to have two services,” she said.
The organist at the time didn’t want to play for both, so the music minister recruited Eagerton to play for one of them.
“He said, ‘Let me show you what I know about this old Hammond organ.’ Before that, I’d had two or three people who taught me piano lessons for probably three or four years,” she said.
‘A talent hard to find nowadays’
Somewhere along the way, Eagerton switched to the piano, though she does still play the organ from time to time. She said the Lord “blessed me with a talent that I loved to play, and I still do.”
Russell Zwerner, pastor of Capitol Heights, said she is “truly skilled” in playing both the organ and the piano, “a talent hard to find nowadays.”
“In fact, I proudly acknowledge her to be the best organist I know,” he said. “I love when she plays ‘A Mighty Fortress is Our God’ on the organ. Each note she plays with power and purpose.”
Zwerner said he arrived at the church at the end of March 2020 — right at the beginning of the COVID-19 crisis.
“Though we never closed, the first few Sunday services of my pastorate were streamed via Facebook,” he said. “Carole faithfully showed up ready to play every one of those services. I recognized her commitment and desire to prepare the hearts of those who gathered or watched the services to hear and respond to the Word of God proclaimed.”
He said Eagerton was a part of every funeral and wedding he has officiated since 2020.
“Knowing Carole would be part of those services encouraged me,” Zwerner said. “She knows exactly what to play and when to play it. In fact, she has memorized the Baptist Hymnal.”
Deep friendships
He said she has deep friendships in the church and community.
“I meet people who constantly tell me how much they appreciate her. It never fails, though, they always mention how they love to hear her play,” Zwerner said. “I am thankful for Carole Eagerton.”
Eagerton said for her it has simply been a joy to serve the church for so long.
“I just enjoyed it,” Eagerton said. “It’s just been a great, great life.”
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