I grew up in a magical, blue collar, middle class neighborhood in southeast Atlanta called Lakewood Heights where I attended Lakewood Heights Baptist. My pastor was William Rainwater. We were blessed to have great Sunday school teachers and men who lead us in RA’s and coached church softball teams.

After graduating high school, I went to work with Southern Bell in Atlanta. Three years later I enlisted in the U. S. Army and served 18 months overseas tour on Okinawa and in Vietnam and Thailand after basic and advanced training. I served my last year of enlistment in New Jersey.

After my discharge from the Army in 1969, I returned to work at Southern Bell. In 1971 I met and married Diane Griffin. We have two sons, Kevin, and Troy. For much of our years as a family we lived in Lithia Springs, Georgia where we attended Lithia Springs First Baptist Church. Our pastor was Marion Beaver, a wonderful man who was active in ministry into his 90’s. I was ordained as a deacon there and was blessed to be surrounded by many saints in that congregation.

In 2001 we moved to Pickens county. After visiting several churches in the area, we decided that First Baptist of Jasper felt like home. We were so lucky to land in the Fellowship Sunday school class which has played a major role in my life. In 2005 Diane died after a courageous two-year battle with cancer. This church helped me get through those two years and the subsequent grief that ensued.

I met Edie Jones, who worked at the fitness center that I attended, and we discovered many shared bonds. Edie had lost her husband and was spending a great deal of time caring for her sister, who was also dealing with cancer. Edie and I were married in September 2006 and are having a wonderful life together. Our family now consists of four sons and ten grandchildren.

My first church experience was hearing my mother’s voice as I lay on a pillow on Mother’s desk, in her Sunday School room, as she taught. I have been in church ever since.
I cannot remember ever not having the desire to play piano. I received a toy piano, (which resembled an upright), for Christmas as a very young child, and I’m sure I must have run Mother crazy as I banged out ‘hymns’ on it.
Next adventure, after graduating high school in 1970, was entering Shorter College. I began as a voice major, piano minor, but after a year of many sore throats I doubted that I was on the correct path. Carl and I married in 1973. Beside being an incredible marriage partner, he is a terrific musical companion whose talent and musical knowledge and intuition and musicality make me a much improved musician. I have learned much from him over these many years as we have served together.
We moved to Jasper in June of 1982 and Carl began his medical practice as a family physician in Dr. Perrow’s office in July. In the Fall of 1982, Willie Merle Robinette decided to retire from her role as pianist on Sunday evenings and I was invited to step into that role. Some months after that, Deanne Gooch decided she would also retire from her role as pianist on Sunday mornings. This also became my role. It has been an honor to follow both of these dear ladies.
It has been, and continues to be, a joy for me as I serve and enable worship as I worship myself at the piano. It is my mission to minister through my music as I offer it to others as well as to myself. I have worked with many wonderful musicians during these years, including my fellow red-head and cohort, Joy Huddlestun, for whom I am beyond thankful.
Of course, when David hired me all those years ago, he knew he was getting a package deal with Carl along. It has been our pleasure as we serve together.
And the adventure continues……
Thanks be to God.

Lana Callahan was born in Arkansas but spent most of her life here in Jasper. She has been married to Marty Callahan for 30 years. She is a long-time member of First Baptist Church and was recently elected Secretary to the Deacon Board. Lana and Marty have two grown daughters; Abbey works at Georgia Tech and Claire recently graduated from University of North Georgia. Lana taught in Pickens county for many years, including elementary, middle, and high school. She brings considerable experience and knowledge to the position of Head Director and is very excited for all the things to come at FBCJ Preschool & Kindergarten.