For Stanley, faith has never been something abstract or distant—it’s something deeply
personal, quietly guiding him through life’s everyday moments and its most profound
challenges. When asked what faith means to him, he reflects on the idea of believing in
what cannot be seen. Faith, he says, is trusting that God is present even in silence. It’s
that inner voice and steady assurance that directs him. He recalls a time while caring for
his wife, Charlene, when he felt a clear sense of what he was called to do. In those
moments, faith became a source of direction—individual, personal, and real.
Stanley’s journey began on a 60-acre family farm in Eaton, Ohio, where he grew up with
his two younger brothers. The farm, owned by his family since 1906 and still operated
by his nephew, shaped his early years with hard work and strong roots. From those
beginnings, Stanley’s path eventually led him to North Carolina in 1972, where he
accepted a job opportunity that would also open the door to a lifelong connection with
church music and ministry.
Music has always been central to Stanley’s life. Before moving, he worked as a band
director in Ohio. In Greensboro, as a sales and service representative at a local music
store, Morrow Piano and Organ Company—and soon after, he and Charlene found
themselves drawn into church life. They began visiting Westminster Presbyterian
Church until discovering Sedgefield Presbyterian Church, where Stanley remembers a
powerful moment of hearing Doris Aspden sing a solo of “He Touched Me.” Not long
after, he joined the choir and he and Charlene became members of the church on
Easter Sunday in 1973.
Around that same time, Sedgefield Presbyterian Church entered Stanley’s life. When
the church needed musical leadership, Stanley was asked to step in—and what began
as a temporary role grew into decades of faithful service. Over the years, he has served
as choir director and organist, shaping the worship experience for generations.
Charlene also became actively involved, helping with catalog books in the church
library, many of which still bear her name today.
When Stanley thinks about the future of Sedgefield Presbyterian Church, his hopes are
grounded in connection, care, and participation. He speaks with deep appreciation for
ministries like the backpack program and the church’s benevolence efforts, which
demonstrate love, compassion, and tangible support for those in need. For Stanley,
these outreach efforts reflect the heart of the church—meeting people where they are
and showing Christ’s love in meaningful ways.
He also hopes to see more members become involved in the life of the church,
especially through music. While he has spent years leading the choir, he emphasizes
that you don’t need to be a trained singer to join. There is joy in making music together,
and he believes the choir can be a place where people grow in community and
engagement. With encouragement and good leadership, he sees opportunity for the
choir—and the church as a whole—to continue growing.
When it comes to scripture, Stanley’s favorite verse is simple yet powerful: “Whatever
you do, do for God.” This guiding principle has stayed with him since childhood, when
his mother preserved a church bulletin featuring the verse alongside an image of a
farmer. That message—of integrity, purpose, and doing one’s best in service to
God—has shaped Stanley’s life. It’s a reminder that even the smallest acts can be
meaningful when done faithfully.
Music, of course, remains close to Stanley’s heart. While he doesn’t name a single
favorite hymn, he shares a meaningful tradition many may not even realize: every
Sunday morning, he plays “Amazing Grace” as a signal that worship is about to begin.
What started as a practical idea has become a quiet and familiar marker of gathering
together. He also mentions “Be Thou My Vision” as an especially important hymn—one
that resonates deeply with the spirit of worship. For Stanley, choosing what to play is
often a reflection of the moment; the music flows from what he feels and senses in
worship.
One of the more memorable stories Stanley shares from his life comes from his
childhood on the farm. As a young boy, he would often ride on the platform behind his
father’s tractor as they worked the fields. One rainy day, he slipped and fell off while the
tractor was moving. In that split second, he remembers hearing a voice telling him to
“lay flat.” He followed that instinct—and remarkably, escaped with only three stitches to
his head. Looking back, Stanley believes that moment was more than luck; it was the
presence of a guardian angel watching over him.
Stanley’s story is one of faith lived out in steady, faithful ways—through music, service,
and a lifelong commitment to the church community. His life reflects a deep trust in
God’s guidance, a love for bringing people together in worship, and a quiet but powerful
example of what it means to live with purpose. At Sedgefield Presbyterian Church, his
impact continues to be felt each Sunday, often beginning with the familiar notes of
“Amazing Grace” calling the congregation to gather, reflect, and worship together.
This article was drafted with the assistance of AI, using notes from an interview
conducted by Shaina Clark.