Kathy Ward, standing, and her sister, Juanita Scott, have served as the musicians for Ward’s Grove Baptist Church in Milton for 41 years.
MILTON — Sisters Juanita Scott and Kathy Ward have shared their love for each other and their love for the Lord through their fingers making music via the organ and piano at Ward’s Grove Baptist Church in Milton, near Murfreesboro, for 41 years.
Ward, the younger of the two, gave her heart to the Lord in 1963 at Calvary Baptist Church. She explains, “My mother said I could not be baptized because of my young age.” After her mother died in 1983 Ward began going to Ward’s Grove.
Six-months later, Ward and her daughter, Tammie Marie, were both baptized there.” She immediately began playing the organ. “They needed someone to play. I said yes and have been playing ever since.”
Scott was saved in 1964 and was then baptized two weeks later at Woodbury Road Baptist Church because Ward’s Grove did not have a baptistry at that time.
The sisters take delight in playing together, honoring Jesus through the talents given them.
“Every Sunday is special while we play for God Almighty and our church family” Ward said. She credits Robin Giles, who took her to church at Calvary Baptist and taught her about the Bible and music.
“She was an excellent role model for me. She played the piano and in my eyes demonstrated how a Christian should live and serve the Lord.”
Scott credits Dorris and June Scott who encouraged her to begin attending Ward’s Grove Baptist.
Ward’s Grove was founded on Oct. 5, 1912, when a dozen people joined the small, start-up congregation through baptism.
Land for the church was donated a month later, and the first building was dedicated in August 1914.
A tornado damaged the church on July 16, 1936, but members were able to rebuild on the same site in record time for a scheduled revival. Tragedy struck again at Ward’s Grove in October 1970 when fire rendered its devastation. Again, members came together to honor the Lord by regrouping and rebuilding in almost a year.
Ward’s Grove Baptist recognizes God’s faithfulness and today the church is debt-free.
In March 2024, the congregation called Ron Byers to be its 21st pastor.
A native of Middle Tennessee, he said, “I absolutely love the people of Ward’s Grove. … The spirit of the members, and the music, especially as it is shared through the talents of Juanita Scott and Kathy Ward.” B&R
