Before Faye Causby Gantt was born, her mother, Irene Causby, prayed for a fair-skinned, blue-eyed daughter who would play the organ in church.
Right away, Mrs. Causby knew part of her prayer was answered when Faye was born with eyes that sparkled as blue as the sky, and "I got too much fair skin," Faye laughs.
Eventually, Mrs. Causby and Faye's father, Bryan Causby, realized the fruit of faithful prayer when their teen-aged daughter first played the organ at Double Springs Baptist Church. Faye has been an inspirational part of the worship there for more than 50 years, a fact the church is celebrating with a reception honoring Faye Sunday, August 14, from 3-5 p.m. in the church family life center.
"Playing the organ" doesn't really describe what Faye does as her fingers urge the notes from two keyboards, and her feet, clad in black satin slippers, punch the pedals to provide bass note accents. "Music means a magical link with God," she says. "That has been my goal as I have served at Double Springs these many years. After all, linking with God is worship! Music is a gift from above."
She credits her parents with giving her the opportunity to be taught music by teachers Selma Withrow, Jorene Dixon, and Mrs. Hubert Plaster. "Their instruction enabled me to spend so many years serving the Lord through music," she says, adding that, "the support of my husband, Johnny, and all of my family have meant much during these years."
In addition to playing the organ, Faye felt led in the 1970s to organize a youth choir, called Sounds of Victory. "They (the youth) became like my own children as we sang at Double Springs as well as at other churches. A number of them have served as pianists here, including our current pianist, Mary Kirby Parker, with whom I have a special bond that can only come from the Holy Spirit." She also appreciates the other pianists and musicians who add to the worship experience today, Kathy Davis, Hilda Hawkins, Wanda and Danny Scruggs.
The folks at Double Springs want everyone to know that Faye is not leaving that organ bench. "We just want to show our appreciation for her many years of faithful service," says choir member Wanda Scruggs, who would like to invite to the reception everyone who was in the Sounds of Victory, the dozens whose weddings were uplifted by Faye's expertise, anyone who has enjoyed the preludes and special music Faye offers for worship, or any of the thousands who were inspired by her organ accompaniment for the church's Singing Christmas Tree.
Although she was hired as organist at several churches after her graduation from Gardner-Webb University, she was thankful when, more than 50 years ago, the position of organist came open at Double Springs, the church in which she was reared. "I was home," she says with a smile that reaches to her blue eyes. "I have been blessed these many years."
Submitted by Linda Cabiness