By Stephen Smoot
“Whatever my lot, thou hast taught me to say/ It is well, it is well with my soul.”
Regardless of whether life brings peace, like a slow and winding river, or if it imposes difficulties and stressors, like a billowing sea, a solid church remains a “mighty fortress” and “a Bulwark never failing” to be a place of peace and sanctuary in a world full of struggles.
A place to be well with one’s soul.
Apart from the presence of God, the strength of a church comes from those devoted to God’s Word and the betterment of His people.
Many congregants of Franklin United Methodist Church would agree that Jane Eye represents one of the foundational stones of their mighty fortress and bulwark.
On April 28, as Jane Conrad described “the chairman of the board of trustees of Franklin United Methodist Church called on Craig Hott for an announcement.” He first declared that day as “Jane Eye Appreciation Sunday.”
Hott said, “Hear these words from Psalm 98.” He then read from the immortal poetry of David, saying “Shout for joy to the Lord, all the Earth, burst into jubilant song with music; make music to the Lord with the harp; with the harp and the sound of singing and with trumpets and the blast of the ram’s horn. Shout for joy before the Lord, the King.”
Eye’s life has been devoted to the United Methodist Church and being a leader in arts education. She came originally from 20 minutes outside of Pittsburgh and attended West Virginia Wesleyan. Eye then taught art at Hamilton Junior High School in Parkersburg for a time.
When she came to Pendleton County in 1979, she entered into a dual mission – to uplift with art and music, especially young people.
“I taught in every county school except Seneca Rocks,” said Eye. Similar to the traditions established by notable Methodists such as Bishop Francis Asbury, for all intents and purposes, Eye “rode circuit” as a teacher of art and music in Pendleton County, bringing education in art and music to the children.
Eye remembered “it was fun because the kids liked coming to me. In music class, we always moved around and art is always fun.” She then emphasized that “also, working at the church is always fun.”
Conrad shared that “Jane has been adding to the preaching of the gospel with beautiful, appropriate music here at Main Street Methodist for many years.” She added that “it wasn’t too long after she arrived in Franklin that she assumed the role of choir director.” Along with organist Elaine Craig, Eye has helped the choir and music ministry to “let the hills be joyful together.”
As Eye explains, “Music is good for the soul. It can calm you down. It can lift you up. It can produce joy. It can help in times of grief.”
Eye’s leadership brought her knack for teaching to the church to make a musical dream come true. Conrad explained that “she dreamed of starting a bell choir in our church” and worked tirelessly to make it happen.
Conrad admitted, “Some of us who were part of bell choir certainly aren’t the most talented musicians” and shared that they occasionally could drive other directors to the point of distraction.
“But when Jane took the helm,” she shared, “she never gave up on us! We carried those bells to the balcony and played from up there a while. We took them, along with tables and covers, to Pendleton Manor and entertained those folks.”
Conrad then shared a phrase that Eye also uses, that the choir “doesn’t make mistakes. We just make memories.”
Every Sunday, Eye made sure to select a balance of styles of hymns. She explained that she would select one for those who preferred the older hymns. Another was chosen for younger people from “a new supplement to the hymnal with more modern music that you hear on the radio.” The third hymn was picked for the pastor.
Eye has also inspired the next generation to assume the role of leading the church’s music ministry. She said of Darla Young, “That girl plays circles around me. She’s a good soloist too!”
Also, she shared that “I started the community chorus in 1984” singing both religious and secular Christmas tunes. “We used to alternate between the Methodist and Presbyterian churches.”
As a “faithful and dedicated member of her church family,” Eye has filled many roles. She currently heads the “Young At Heart” Sunday School class. Students “are reading the Bible through the year. Yesterday we talked about David and Bathsheba.”
She also led singing at Vacation Bible School, plays for weddings and funerals in different churches, spearheaded the second Sunday snack program, and served as secretary for the administrative board.
On her appreciation day, the congregation presented her with a water bottle “for your quiet times in the gazebo,” a travel and a tote bag for trips to Hilton Head, South Carolina, a gift certificate for a massage, a ticket to a performance of “My Fair Lady,” countless cards and notes of appreciation, and a “musical quilt” crafted by Shirley Shank.
The service closed with “The Musician’s Prayer” and an ample post service meal “which was well-attended,” noted Conrad.
Another role in which Eye has taken incredible joy has been being a wife and member of the Eye family. “The best thing I ever did was to marry Dr. Eye,” she said, adding “I married into a wonderful family.”
One could say that service in Christ, devotion to her husband, a love of music, and dedication to young people have given Eye multiple families in Pendleton County who have valued all she has done for them.
