To celebrate Mauara Phillips and her 40 years of service as church organist, Union Hill Baptist Church, Oneonta, asked Phillips to hold a recital Oct. 19, 2014.
She played a few pieces as well as three duets, one of which was with her granddaughter, Arian Phillips.
Mauara Phillips began playing piano when she was 13 and took lessons from organ teachers in the area. Later she took piano classes from Sneed State College in Boaz and Wallace State College in Hanceville.
She played piano for the Friendship Baptist Association church and then in September 1974 became the church’s organist after it purchased an organ.
When asked what the 40 years of ministry meant to her Phillips said she felt “very blessed.”
“We all have to start somewhere and (Union Hill) was very gracious. … We just grew together. I’m thankful for a congregation that would allow that,” she said.
Greg Hollis, Union Hill’s music minister, said of Phillips, “Her dedication to her church and her craft are truly remarkable.”
Phillips and her husband, Scott, have two children and one grandchild.
Share with others: