Frances Wolf retires from choir

with over 78 years of service in music

• Frances Wolf started her musical career for the church in 1931 in the choir at First Presbyterian Church in Newport News at 8 years old.
• She began playing the piano for Wythe Chapel and First Presbyterian Church when she was 11.5 years old.
• In 1936 she became the pianist for Wythe Chapel and organized the first choir of four people.
• On November 10, 1940, Wythe Chapel organized and became Wythe Presbyterian Church and in 1949 Wythe got the new building that it is in today. Sometime after Wythe moved into the new building, the Church was given an organ.
• Mrs. Thompson was the first organist and gave Frances lessons.
• Frances eventually became Wythe Presbyterian's organist.
• She remained the organist until 1994, totaling 58 years of piano and organ playing for Wythe.
• She moved back to the choir in 1994 and is retiring this year at age 86 after 15 years.
• Altogether Frances served our church's music for almost 80 years.
• She is also a charter member.
• Her plaque reads: "With Appreciation From Wythe Presbyterian Church for 78 Years of Selfless Service in Music."