By Leigh Pritchett
Correspondent, The Alabama Baptist
Educated at Samford University and Jacksonville State University, Charlotte Langner turned music into a ministry through which she taught public school students and private piano students. The Oneonta woman used her talents in her church as well. Only recently did the 79-year-old retire after 45 years as church organist.
Ministry description: Long-time church organist
Church name: First Baptist Church, Oneonta,
Friendship Baptist Association
Life verse: “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.” (Jeremiah 29:11)
Q: Describe where you focused your greatest ministry efforts:
A: Being church organist, director of the handbell choir, accompanist for the senior adult choir and assisting R. Moses Clark, the church’s minister of music, in planning the Hanging of the Greens (service).
Q: Tell about a “turning point” in your life and how God was involved.
A: After I graduated from Samford University in Birmingham with a degree in music education, I taught elementary music in the Jefferson County School System, led the second-grade choir in my church, Dawson Memorial, and supplied for the pianist. In 1971 my husband accepted a position with the City of Oneonta and we became active members of First Baptist Church, Oneonta. In 1972, I became pianist, and then the organist position came open. I was asked to move to the organ. I just recently retired from this position. I never thought of this as a job, but as a way of using my talent to bring honor and glory to God. … The music program has been an important part of my life and I am thankful that I have had the opportunity of leading in worship through music.
Q: What has God been teaching you lately?
A: For the last six months I have had medical issues that prevented me from fulfilling my duties as church organist. During this time I think God was teaching me a lesson in patience. I had not experienced anything like this and I wanted instant relief, but it took more time than I expected. I had been praying about retiring, and during this time, the answer came. This season of my life needed to come to an end, and a new one begins.
Q: Does your church have any special traditions that mean a lot to you? What are they?
A: The Hanging of the Greens is a special tradition at my church that I enjoy because it reminds those of us who are Christians about the true meaning of Christmas. It is a worshipful and beautiful service.
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