NATCHEZ — When Francine Presley sits down at her church’s organ on Sunday mornings, it’s time to worship.

The 90-year-old Natchez native has served as Zion Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church’s organist for more than 60 years. The Rev. Birdon Mitchell said Presley’s playing ushers in a spirit of worship in the church.

“Music is one of the key parts of worship, and when we come into the church, Mrs. Presley is the signal to let us know it’s time for worship,” Mitchell said. “She has been playing melodious music up there for many years, and it just sets the tone for worship.”

Presley began playing the upright piano in her house when she was just 4 years old.

“I would hear the records playing on the phonograph, and I would listen to those sounds and try to make them on the piano, just playing with my thumb,” Presley said, sticking her right thumb up in the air.

As a child, Presley took piano lessons at Holy Family Catholic Church. She graduated from Brumfield School and went on to study home economics and music at Southern and Alcorn State universities.

Presley lived in Salt Lake City, Bridgeport, Conn., White Plains, N.Y., and Chicago before returning to Natchez in 1952. After a friend who was Zion Chapel’s organist left the church, Presley was asked to play.

“I’ve been here ever since,” she said.

Presley was baptized at Zion Chapel as a baby and is a lifelong member.

“Even when I was away, I always found an A.M.E. church to attend,” she said. “My church was always in my heart.”

Music has always kept Presley’s church and her faith close to her heart.

“I love music,” she said. “It makes me feel closer to God … because I know all that I have comes from God, my talent and everything is a gift from God.”

Presley’s gifts are a blessing for Zion Chapel, Mitchell said.

Presley, who taught 35 years in the public school system, serves as the director of the children’s choir and has taught many children to play the piano and organ.

When the organ is serviced twice a year, Mitchell said, Presley is right there to make sure everything is done properly. Presley also plays for tourist groups who come to tour the church.

“Many of them say the highlight of their trip is getting to hear Mrs. Presley play the organ,” Mitchell said.

Church is certainly not the same on Sunday morning if Mrs. Presley is not there.

“I think in the eight years I’ve been here, she’s only missed four or five Sundays because of sickness,” Mitchell said. “It really does seem so much different when you come in and you don’t hear her on the organ.”

Zion Chapel will have a special service honoring Presley’s longtime service and dedication to the church Sunday.

Mitchell smiles as he talks about Presley’s dedication to Zion Chapel and her faithful spirit.

“If every member’s spirit was like Mrs. Presley’s is here in this church, it would be one of the best churches you could find anywhere,” Mitchell said. “She is very faithful, and you can’t ask anything more of her because she gives it all.”