Church set to honor pianist for her 100th birthday

BAINBRIDGE — On Feb. 23 Franklin Baptist will honor one of their own who has been a part of their church family literally her entire life.

Madeline White began playing piano for the congregation in the mid-1970s, said her son-in-law, evangelist Ken Cloud. “She’s been a member of Franklin since she was a child,” he added.

White’s husband, Hugh, served as a pastor in South Georgia until his death in 1977. Franklin was one of the churches where he occupied the pulpit.

On Feb. 22 White will turn 100 with a party among friends and family at Riverside Place Assisted Living in Bainbridge where she lives. On the days when she still plays piano, a family from the church gives her a ride the 17 miles to Franklin Baptist.

White, who has played piano for 70 years, still plays “the old hymns” her son-in-law noted. In addition to her own daughter marrying a minister, White also has two grandsons and a great-grandson who are pastors. Another great-grandson recently answered a call to preach.

While White has, indeed, been a part of the church her 100 years, she likes to point out that the time frame even precedes that.

“Mrs. White is quick to say that she has been coming to Franklin Baptist for more than 100 years,” said Pastor Gwan Garrison. “Her mother was an active member and in the church the whole time she was pregnant [with White].”

Cloud confirms White’s portrayal of her membership

“She says that on her birthday she will have been going to Franklin for 100 years and nine months,” he chuckled.