Celebrating 60 years of music ministry

BLUE BELL >> Six decades ago, on March 5, 1961, Barbara Ann Spaeth (now Green) began her music ministry at age 17 as substitute organist at Baptist Temple in Philadelphia, now Grace Baptist Church of Blue Bell.

An unexpected vacancy occurred on a Sunday morning just prior to worship. She was asked to fill in on the church’s grand sanctuary Hope-Jones pipe organ until they could find a permanent replacement. That began 60 years at the organ. In that time, Barbara has played for 3,500 plus services. She became the music director in 1975. Her music ministry is vibrant, varied, and inspirational. Her ministry includes the worship service, adult choir, bell choir, special music productions, and overseeing the children’s music program and a praise team.

Barbara Green has been a member of Grace since birth. Her parents, George and Helen Spaeth, joined Baptist Temple in part because of the music program and to sing in the choir. Barbara began piano lessons at age 8 when her grandparents purchased her a piano for her birthday. A family member introduced her to the organ, and she began taking private organ lessons. Shortly after “filling in,” she became the organist and pianist at The Baptist Temple Broad Street location. When the Baptist Temple services were broadcast over radio station WJMJ, Barbara provided the music heard over the airwaves. Upon graduation from Friend’s Select School in Philadelphia, Barbara attended Temple University’s College of Music. She was awarded her Bachelor of Music Education degree in 1965 and her Master’s degree in Music Education in 1968.

Located in the basement of the Baptist Temple on Broad Street was the Chapel of the Four Chaplains which was a separate entity from the church. Green was often called upon to provide music for the many services held there, which included the responsibility of rotating the four interdenominational altars. For her many years of service, Barbara received the Four Chaplains Legion of Honor Membership award in 1980 in recognition of her Service to All People.

Throughout the 60 years, Barbara has held many positions. Among them, church organist, church pianist, director of adult choir, director of children’s choir, accompanist for the youth choir, director of handbell choir, church band and ensemble director. She oversees the Praise Team and all aspects of music at Grace. Barbara and two choir members also comprise the New Life Trio and sing for Grace, other congregations, and organizations.

Barbara’s non-music service at Grace is vast, serving on the Board of Christian Education, pastoral search committees, Worship and Celebration Committee, Church Anniversary Committees, and coordinator of the church’s hospitality and fellowship ministry.

Barbara worked as a music teacher in the Neshaminy School District, The Meadowbrook School, as summer music coordinator of Sesame Place in Langhorne, given private piano lessons, and worked at the Southampton Music Company. She was also a cofounder of the Tea Trolley.

Outside of church, she has directed the Rydal Park Chorus, founded and directed a Southampton music group called the Musigals. Barbara especially enjoys accompanying her daughter, Amy, (vocal) and her grandson, Ryan, (trumpet). She loves giving piano lessons to her grandson, Logan, and, in the past, lessons to her other grandchildren. She would also play with her daughter, Kim, a flutist. When Grace was in Philadelphia, Barbara was asked to play for university events, high school graduations, and ceremonies in the 4,000-seat sanctuary.

Barbara and Ken Green have been married for 55 years and have 2 daughters and 4 grandchildren. Kimberly Ann (Green) Burke and William Burke are parents of Tyler and Taylor. Amy Beth (Green) Bocklet and Joseph Bocklet are parents of Ryan and Logan. Barbara and Ken have lived in Philadelphia, Southampton, and now at Brittany Pointe Estates in Lansdale.

Ken is considered an unofficial member of the choir by choir members. He does not sing, but he supports the Music Ministry working with the microphones, sound system, and videography.

At Brittany Point, Barbara shares her musical talents as accompanist for the Brittany Songsters, a 35-member chorus, that presents two concerts per year; accompanist for the Song and Dance Show; accompanist for the yearly Variety Show; and, on occasion, plays piano for hymn sings, funerals, special services, and programs.

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