Hillview Baptist Church, Birmingham
Birmingham Baptist Association
Favorite Verse: Romans 8:28
Favorite Hymn: “Sheltered in the Arms of God”
Hobbies: Cooking, doing cross-stitch, reading, gardening
Family Status: Wife of 50 years to husband, Hansel; daughter, Tracy Grace; son, Thomas Grace (wife, Paula); three grandchildren
The ministry of 70-year-old Jane Grace is to prepare hearts for worship. That has been her mission as church pianist for nearly 49 years. She also is a member of the finance and personnel committees and vice president of the church’s Prime Timers senior group. She received her education at Walker Junior College (now Bevill State Community College), the University of Alabama and Samford University in Birmingham. She retired in 2012 after 32 years with EBSCO Media.
Q: What influences in your life pointed you to Christ at the beginning of your faith journey?
A: My Christian parents and wonderful Sunday School teachers as a child growing up.
Q: When and how were you led into your ministry work?
A: I have been playing the piano at church basically all my life. I began taking lessons when I was 8 years old. My father led music at our church. When I was about 11 another girl and I would alternate Sundays playing for our church. At Walker College, I assisted Mrs. Bevill, the accompanist to the college choir.
Q: What does your ministry work demand?
A: Being on staff is demanding, but not in a bad way. You’re expected to be at choir rehearsals, special group rehearsals, choir tours, funerals, weddings and other church-related activities.
Q: What do you get from your ministry work?
A: This ministry has been filled with years of blessings. To be able to use my God-given talent to bring joy through Christian music to other Christians every Sunday morning and evening for nearly 50 years — it has been more wonderful than words can express.
Q: How do family members support you?
A: My family has always supported me from the very beginning, especially my husband, Hansel. I could not have been as faithful were it not for his help.
Q: How do you see yourself involved in this in the future?
A: I hope to be able to do what I am doing for several more years.
Q: What difference will this ministry work make for you in the future?
A: I have hoped and prayed a young man or young girl would be inspired to take piano lessons and be totally involved in church music. I hope to be an encourager to those who are bringing worship music to our church service.
Q: What difference has Jesus Christ made in your life?
A: Jesus Christ has made all the difference in my life. Because of my relationship with Christ, my desire to play Christian music in so many capacities has been fulfilled.
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