November 10, 2026
HICKORY, N.C. — For nearly 100 years combined, two sisters have filled the sanctuary of Temple Baptist Church in Hickory with music. After being instrumental to the church’s worship for generations, they recently retired on a high note.
On Aug. 16, the congregation gathered to celebrate the retirement of longtime musicians Maxine Swanson and Kay Bumgarner with a special service featuring their favorite hymns, a look back at their decades of ministry, and one final performance before a luncheon in their honor.
Swanson’s story with Temple goes back to the church’s earliest days when the congregation was organized in 1949. She began serving as the church’s pianist at age 13, when Temple was still a mission church. At 19, she stepped away from the role after marrying and moving away with her husband, who served in the Navy.
A decade later, the couple returned to Hickory, and Swanson returned to Temple. She soon resumed her place at the piano before eventually moving to the organ, where she continued until this year.
In all, Swanson spent more than 70 years in music ministry at Temple — roughly 10 years at the piano and more than 60 at the organ. She also holds a distinction no one else at the church can claim: Swanson is the only living charter member of Temple Baptist Church.
Bumgarner’s tenure, while shorter than her sister’s, still spans more than 25 years. Looking back on her years as a pianist, she recalled that she played for more than a year before she ever received any pay. In fact, the thought of compensation had never crossed her mind in the first place.
“I was just grateful for the opportunity to serve,” Bumgarner said.
Beyond the piano and the organ, both women also took on various leadership roles within the church and the local Baptist association over the years.
During the retirement service, both sisters reflected on what had motivated their decades of service — a desire to serve the Lord first and their church second — using the musical gifts they believe God gave them.
Lloyd King Jr., Temple Baptist’s pastor for 14 years, praised the sisters’ humility alongside their talent.
“It has been a great pleasure having Maxine and Kay use their musical talents to enhance each worship service,” King said. “While they are gifted musicians, they remain humble in their service. I pray that they have a long and happy retirement.”
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Aundra Moretz of Temple Baptist Church contributed content for this article, which appeared in the Biblical Recorder.
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