Gail Cates honored for 50 years as pianist for Antioch Baptist Church, Oxford

Calhoun Association

Gail Cates says it would take a lot to get her off the piano bench. But it didn’t take much to totally surprise her — she had no idea Antioch Baptist Church, Oxford, was planning a special service Aug. 30 to honor her for 50 years as their pianist. Her brother preached the sermon that morning, and her grandson sang the special music.

“The whole thing was very touching,” she said. “I was completely surprised.”

Cates got started as a church pianist 63 years ago at nearby Grace Baptist Church. Then when she joined Antioch Baptist in 1970, she had barely walked in the door when someone who had heard her play at a revival asked if she would play for them that day.

“I’ve been doing it ever since,” Cates said. “I’ve gotten to play with a lot of music ministers and a lot of other people over the years. It’s been a great experience. God’s been good.”