Church organist retiring after 63 years at same Wetumpka church

Joe Allen Turner will play the organ at First Baptist Wetumpka for the last time Sunday after being its organist for 63 years.

Like most Sunday mornings at First Baptist Church in Wetumpka, the sounds of the organ are expected to echo through the sanctuary during church service.

For 63 years church members have watched Joe Allen Turner, 88, sit down at the Zimmer Organ, slip on a comfortable pair of shoes to aid in working the numerous pedals at his feet and provide music for worship, weddings and funerals.