Hayes, Dorothy B.

Hayes, Dorothy B.

First Baptist Church, New Brockton
Coffee Baptist Association

Favorite Bible Verse: John 3:16
Favorite Hymn: “Have Thine Own Way, Lord”
Hobbies: Working crossword puzzles and playing the piano
Family Status: Widowed; two children, Patricia and Lib; four grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren

Dorothy B. Hayes, a member of First Baptist Church, New Brockton, since 1938, served as its pianist for more than 50 years completely on a volunteer basis. Hayes, 92, still serves as assistant pianist from time to time and has been singing in the choir since her husband, J.K., died in 2005. The couple served as Sunday School and Discipleship Training secretary for more than 50 years.

Q: What was your childhood like?
A: I grew up on a farm. There were six children in our family, three girls and three boys. I didn’t work on the farm; the boys did that. I baby-sat for Momma since I was the oldest girl. I enjoyed sports and played sports since I came up with boys. We always went to church. Daddy always had us there. He believed in being involved in the church.

Q: How did you come to know the Lord?
A: There was a pastor, Brother Gaines, who preached a revival at our church. He stayed at our house during the revival, and he led me to the Lord.

Q: How have you been involved in church through the years?
A: Mostly with music and most of the time playing the piano. I have taught Sunday School, and I was active in WMU (Woman’s Missionary Union). It made me grow in the Lord by being involved in church ministry and made me enjoy working with people.

Q: How have churches changed over the years?
A: I don’t know that they have changed that much. There are more … activities (outside the church) now than when I was growing up. Then all the activities were in the church.

Q: What difference has being a Christian made in your life?
A: It has made all the difference in my life. It has made me a better person, and I have learned to do more in the church as a Christian.