Beloved organist retires after 59 years at church

  • Nina Hayes poses with the organ that she played every Sunday for 59 years at the Salem Baptist Church. Eloise McNair/The Oglethorpe Echo
    Nina Hayes poses with the organ that she played every Sunday for 59 years at the Salem Baptist Church. Eloise McNair/The Oglethorpe Echo
  • Nina Hayes poses with her family and Pastor Brett Mask at her retirement celebration at Salem Baptist Church on Sunday. Standing in front of the altar (left to right) is Steve Hayes, Joe Gene Hayes, Nina Hayes, Donna Floyd, and Brett Mask. Brett Mask/Submitted photo
    Nina Hayes poses with her family and Pastor Brett Mask at her retirement celebration at Salem Baptist Church on Sunday. Standing in front of the altar (left to right) is Steve Hayes, Joe Gene Hayes, Nina Hayes, Donna Floyd, and Brett Mask. Brett Mask/Submitted photo
  • Rev. Gil Maddox and Pastor Brett Mask honor Nina Hayes for her 59 years of service to the church as the congregation watches. Brett Mask/Submitted photo
    Rev. Gil Maddox and Pastor Brett Mask honor Nina Hayes for her 59 years of service to the church as the congregation watches. Brett Mask/Submitted photo

    LISTEN: Hear Nina Hayes play the organ at the Salem Baptist Church.

     

    Nina Hayes was first introduced to the piano through a lesson at her elementary school in Greene County when she was just 5 yea…