SALEM UNITED METHODIST CHURCH - Key Persons
Using a combination of keys, switches, and buttons that control airflow through an intricate system, Diane Ledden brings to life beautiful music of trumpets, flutes, and chimes every Sunday, and has been doing so for the last 45 years. On April 23, 2017, in true United Methodist fashion, a potluck-style banquet was held in Diane's honor where over 50 people gathered to celebrate her steadfast service to Salem. Guests included family, friends, and one very influential person, Mrs. Patsy Slick, who was Diane's Elementary Sunday School teacher.
At 6 years of age, Diane began taking piano lessons. She recalls her mother making her practice at least 30 minutes a day when Diane would rather be outside playing with the neighborhood children. Towards the end of elementary school, Mrs. Slick began inviting Diane to play a few hymns on the piano at the start of class. Diane was later promoted to playing the piano for the combined opening of Sunday School which included students from high school age to adult.
A few years later, Diane started taking organ lessons from Dorothy Burkholder at Shockey's Piano and Organ Store in Hagerstown. Taking up the clarinet in middle school, Diane began taking clarinet lessons as well. Both lessons were held weekly on the same night! Diane continued playing clarinet through high school where she played for the Boonsboro High School Marching Band.
At this time, Salem had two organists - Ruth Wyand and Louise Rohrer, both now deceased. Both ladies recognized Diane's potential and began working with her to play the Moller organ at Salem. At the age of 16, Diane was a proficient organist and, while part-time at Salem, became substitute organist for other churches in the area, namely Salem Lutheran-Bakersville in Boonsboro, Holy Trinity Lutheran in Sharpsburg, and First Presbyterian Church in Frederick, Maryland. During this time, Diane recalls feeling that the keyboard at Salem was her "home."
It was just a matter of time before the keyboard at Salem became Diane's on a full-time basis. Since 1972 Diane has been full-time organist at Salem and she has never missed a Sunday except for vacations. "I am so happy that I have been given the ability to play, starting with the piano as a child, and then the organ in later years, continually over the past 45 years, for the church that I have been attending all my life," says Diane. She plays, even if she is ill. And, if you know Diane, you understand this: never ask her to take a vacation around the holy days of Christmas and Easter because it won't happen!
Diane feels a part of Salem - "part of the woodwork" as she says. But that is the way she likes it. She is as reliable as the sunrise each day. Salem UMC's Pastor Al Deal says, "Diane is an integral part of the Salem family. Her offering of music enriches everyone's worship experience and we are all the better for having her here. I can't imagine what Salem would be like without her."
You might be wondering if Diane has a favorite hymn. She enjoys playing many traditional hymns including "Holy, Holy, Holy! Lord God Almighty," "In The Garden," "Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee," "For the Beauty of the Earth," and "Love Divine, All Loves Excelling" just to name a few. But one hymn is particularly sentimental to Diane - "What A Friend We Have In Jesus." This was one of the very first hymns she learned how to play as a child. It is this hymn that remains her favorite of all time.
Our historic local church here in Keedysville is richly blessed by Diane; she is officially part of the legacy of our church "at the heart of the community with the community at heart." Salem is a welcoming community of faith and music is a part of Salem's mission to "Proclaim and live the Gospel of Jesus Christ." Salem invites you to join them on Sundays for worship with Children's Church at 10:30 a.m.; Sunday School for all ages at 9:15 a.m.
Pastor Suzanne Jones is excited to return home to Salem UMC. She is a licensed local pastor through the Baltimore-Washington Conference of the United Methodist Church. Prior to Salem, she served as the associate pastor at Trinity UMC in Frederick, MD. In 2014, she earned a Master of Arts degree in Humanities from Hood College in Frederick, MD, and she is currently earning a Master of Divinity degree at Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington, D.C.
Pastor Suzanne was raised in the United Methodist Church. She grew up in Keedysville, MD attending Salem UMC most of her life. It was there where she discovered how God was calling her to into leadership to serve the church and the world through ministry. Before answering the call to ministry, Pastor Suzanne taught a variety of English and Communication courses at various local community colleges.
Above all, Pastor Suzanne is passionate about sharing God's message. She uses her gifts of preaching, teaching, and ministry to remind people that they are loved no matter what. She is dedicated to building up the Kingdom of God by helping others grow closer to Christ and each other.
Pastor Suzanne is married to Jeff Jones, and they have two dogs, Katy and Harlie. They currently live in Shepherdstown, WV and are avid Ravens and Orioles fans. She is also an active member of the West Virginia Emmaus Community and walked on WV #105. In her spare time, Pastor Suzanne enjoys making crafts, performing William Shakespeare, and can be caught either singing with her ukulele, or keeping a happy rhythm on her tambourine or her washboard.