When Violet Bunn was 7 years old, she began playing the piano for her father’s Sunday School class at West Side Baptist Church in Bessemer.
“I remember crying because I was so nervous that first day,” Bunn recalled, “but I went on and played.”
The tears flowed from Bunn’s eyes again in April when she retired as the church’s organist, 75 years after that first day in the Sunday School classroom.
“It’s going to take a little pressure off me,” related Bunn, now 83. “But I’ll still be there, and I’m going to help out when they need me.”
In fact, Bunn already has been asked to fill in a couple of times while the church searches for a new organist, and she will be listed on the ministry roster as organist emeritus. That means a lot to Bunn, whose parents were among the church’s founders. She became church pianist at age 13 and is now one of only two children of charter members remaining in the church. Except for a few years when she moved from the area, Bunn has remained a part of the church’s music ministry. She became the organist when the church purchased an organ about 50 years ago.
“It has been emotional for her to give up something like this and move on,” said Scott Cole, pastor of West Side Baptist Church. “We share those emotions, because it is not going to be the same without her.”
On April 28, which was declared Violet Bunn Day at the church, a reception was held in her honor. She was given a copy of the resolution drafted by church leaders, as well as a small monetary gift. Perhaps most touching to Bunn, however, was hearing about a music scholarship the church is establishing in her name.
According to Cole, specifics of the scholarship are still being determined. “It will be a perpetual scholarship to carry on her legacy,” he said, noting this was an especially fitting way to honor Bunn, who has been a music teacher for many years.
Educated thousands
After studying at the University of Montevallo and receiving a degree in music pedagogy from Birmingham-Southern College in the 1930s, Bunn began teaching music in a studio her husband built in the basement of their Hueytown home. She estimated she has taught thousands of students over the years — many of whom have gone on to play professionally or teach music at the college level. Her great-grandson, in fact, teaches piano at the University of North Alabama.
While she is giving up her position at the church, Bunn plans to continue teaching several students in her home.
“I love my work, and I love my music,” Bunn said, describing her talent as a blessing.
Cole said he expects Bunn to remain active in the church, as she has always been someone who made newcomers feel welcome. “It is remarkable to have someone who has given so much of her life to her love of music and leading people in worship,” he said. “She has certainly left her mark on our fellowship.”
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