Smith, Gayle

Providence Baptist Church, Opelika
Tuskegee Lee Baptist Association

Favorite Bible Verse: James 1:22
Favorite Hymn: “My Faith Looks Up to Thee”
Hobbies: Teaching children music, gardening and cooking
Family Status: Married to Tom for 41 years; two children, Marisha and Eron; and two grandchildren

Gayle Smith is a retired public school music teacher. In 2007, she founded the East Alabama Children’s Choir, which she currently directs. Smith also directs the discipleship program Deeper Roots at Providence Baptist Church, Opelika, where her husband has served as music minister for the past 36 years. She is also the first and only director of the Alabama Singing Women, which was formed seven years ago, and serves as substitute pianist, organist and music director at Providence.

Q: How did you come to know the Lord?
A: I was the fifth of seven children growing up in a Christian home, and my mom and dad were very firm in our participation in church. My mom and dad lived a very Christian example before me.

Q: How did the East Alabama Children’s Choir come about?
A: During the time I taught public school, I was the children’s choir coordinator at Providence Baptist Church. After retirement, I really wanted to get back to working with children. I started East Alabama Children’s Choir while I was also teaching at Chattahoochee Valley Community College (in Phenix City). The choir consists of fourth- through eighth-graders, and right now, there are 20 in [it]. The East Alabama Children’s Choir is such a joy. It is designed for kids who are musically talented but who don’t have a school that offers music and who want to learn and grow in music.

Q: What does ministry demand?
A: It demands staying true to your calling and staying in touch with the Lord because He will tell you exactly what to do.

Q: What do you get from the ministry?
A: Wonderful feedback and wonderful people to work with.

Q: How do you see yourself involved in ministry in the future?
A: Doing the same until the Lord tells me to quit. It’s so much fun. I love it.

Q: What difference has Christ made in your life?
A: Impossible to answer. I can’t imagine any other way. The best thing that He did for me was to give me a Christian home to grow up in and leading me to a Christian husband. Our involvement in church has proved that He is faithful to His promises.