10/26/2026
Youth are making a joyful sound at Hartzell Memorial UMC in Hickory. It's part of the church's vision to be a place where young people discover their God-given gifts -- in this case, one chord at a time.
As the 147-year-old congregation gets older, church leaders see a need to make inroads with the next generation. Social and economic challenges add to the urgency. Forty-two of the 44 schools in Hickory are Title I, indicating high levels of poverty. Hartzell views its calling through a lens of hope and empowerment.
“A lot of our children have always wanted to do something with music, but they couldn’t afford it,” said Nikki Brown, the church’s social media and grant-writing specialist. “You can tell they’re practicing at home. They just love it.”
The music program, launched in April with support from the Foundation, convenes students twice a week for guitar lessons and a devotion. They pray together, encourage one another, and learn the meaning of Christian community. Participants will be invited to lead music in worship as part of the experience.
The level of participation impressed Rev. Annalee Allen, the Foundation's Director of Reynolds Ministries and Programs. “The children were so focused,” she said. “It was obvious they wanted to be there.”
At a time when funding cuts threaten access to the arts, it's more important to reach students from economically disadvantaged households. A safe, nurturing environment makes a real difference, said Pastor Baim Imatha, pastor of Hartzell and McQueen's Chapel in Conover.
“We can’t solve everything,” he said. “But we can do our part.”
