Many a day, Anthony Copeland has walked into Immanuel Baptist Church, Hokes Bluff, and heard Will Smith playing the piano.
“A lot of times he would escape in there and just play,” said Copeland, pastor of the Etowah Baptist Association church. “It was pretty neat to walk in and hear him. He has a deep love for music — he can play several instruments — and he’s got a heart for folks.”
Smith, the church’s music minister, said the past 50 years have brought a lot of people across his path — and that’s been one of his favorite parts of ministry.
“The Lord has blessed me,” he said. “I love music, I love meeting people, and just to be able to do it and see the choirs accomplish something for the Lord, that’s what I like.”
On Feb. 3 the church held a celebration in his honor of his 50 years of ministry — 31 of which were spent at Immanuel Baptist. It was also the retirement celebration for him and his wife, Ginger. Copeland said he will be missed.
“It’s been a joy to work with him,” he said. “He’s a very gifted musician and he’s taught me a lot. The church is like family. He’s made a lot of friends through the years.” (Grace Thornton)
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