Methodist Church Organist: has been playing every Sunday for 73 years

Christian Post:

Martha Godwin, 87, has been consecutively playing the organ at Macedonia United Methodist Church in Southmont County for the past 73 years. She started playing the organ at the church when she was only 13 years old in April 1940, and recalls how nervous she was playing her first song, "Wonderful Words of Life."

Godwin was recently awarded the Guinness Book of World Records for playing the organ or piano for the longest consecutive time at one church. The official certificate proclaiming Godwin's accomplishment will hang on the wall of the Methodist church, reading: "The longest career as a church pianist/organist is 73 years and was achieved by Martha Godwin (b. 17 Jan 1927, USA), who has served the Macedonia United Methodist Church in Southmont, North Carolina, USA since April 1940, aged 13 years."

According to the High Point Enterprise, Godwin received her reward thanks to the effort of her brother, Tommy Hedrick, who with the help of other congregation members was able to prove to the Guinness Book of World Records that his sister had been playing the organ every Sunday at the church for 73 years. [emphasis mine]

Martha is somewhat embarrassed by all the attention, and when someone says, 'You deserve it,' she responds with a gentle laugh followed by a sheepish, 'It's one way I can give back to the Lord because he's sure been good to me.'"

The UMC Western North Carolina Conference reported on this distinctive service too. Her photo from that report is below. Mrs Godwin said that her service is one way she can praise the Lord Jesus, who she says has been so good to her.


Her service reminds me of the following verses:

And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. (Colossians 3:17)

And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. (Galatians 6:9)

As for you, always be sober-minded, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry. (2 Timothy 4:5)

Thank you Mrs Godwin, for your faithful service to the Lord Jesus and His people!

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