103-Year-Old Church Organist Continues Lifelong Passion

Mary Conklin has been playing the organ at First Presbyterian Church in Winnebago, Minnesota for the past six years.

Apr. 7, 2026 at 2:55am

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A brightly colored, high-contrast silkscreen print of a church organ keyboard repeated in a tight grid pattern, capturing the iconic instrument that has been the focus of Mary Conklin's lifelong dedication to music and her church community.The vibrant, repetitive imagery of a church organ keyboard celebrates the lifelong passion of 103-year-old organist Mary Conklin.Corning Today

At 103 years old, Mary Conklin continues to serve as the organist at First Presbyterian Church in Winnebago, Minnesota, a role she has held for the past six years. Conklin started playing church organs before World War II, taking over as the sole organist for Protestant churches in her hometown of Corning, Iowa at just 18 years old when other organists were relocated due to the war. She later studied organ in college and played alongside her late husband, who was a pastor. Now, at 103, Conklin practices for two hours, three days a week, and leads the church's Bible study and choir when needed.

Why it matters

Conklin's lifelong dedication to the organ and her church community is an inspiring story of passion, service, and perseverance. At an age when most people have long since retired, Conklin continues to share her musical talents and contribute to her local church, defying expectations and serving as a role model for others.

The details

Mary Conklin began playing the organ at First Presbyterian Church in Winnebago, Minnesota six years ago when the previous organist, Maryjean Miller, decided to retire at age 79. Conklin, who was 97 at the time, took over the role without hesitation. In addition to her organ duties, Conklin also leads the church's Bible study once a month and has even filled in as the choir director when the regular director was away. Conklin practices for two hours, three days a week, in the empty church, determined to continue playing the instrument she has loved since her youth.

  • Conklin started playing church organs before World War II in 1941.
  • Conklin took over as the sole organist for Protestant churches in her hometown of Corning, Iowa at age 18 during WWII.
  • Conklin studied organ in college and later played alongside her late husband, who was a pastor.
  • Conklin began playing the organ at First Presbyterian Church in Winnebago, Minnesota six years ago at age 97.
  • Conklin is now 103 years old and continues to serve as the church's organist.

The players

Mary Conklin

A 103-year-old woman who has been playing the organ at First Presbyterian Church in Winnebago, Minnesota for the past six years.

Maryjean Miller

The previous organist at First Presbyterian Church in Winnebago, Minnesota who retired at age 79, paving the way for Conklin to take over the role.

Dianna Conklin

Mary Conklin's daughter who attends services at the church and is proud of her mother's lifelong dedication to organ playing.

Jill Emery

The pastor at First Presbyterian Church in Winnebago, Minnesota who has witnessed Conklin's commitment to the church, including filling in as the choir director when needed.

Carol Ricard

A member of First Presbyterian Church in Winnebago, Minnesota who describes Conklin as an "amazing lady" at 103 years old.

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What they’re saying

“She's 103. Amazing Lady.”

— Carol Ricard, Church Member

“I'm very proud of her.”

— Dianna Conklin, Mary Conklin's Daughter

“I think she's miraculous.”

— Maryjean Miller, Previous Organist

“At 102, she was our fill-in choir director.”

— Jill Emery, Pastor

“I just love to play. If I get started, I don't want to quit.”

— Mary Conklin

What’s next

As Mary Conklin approaches her 104th birthday, there are no signs that she plans to stop playing the organ at First Presbyterian Church anytime soon. The congregation and community continue to be inspired by her lifelong passion and dedication to her craft.

The takeaway

Mary Conklin's story is a testament to the power of pursuing one's passions, even in the face of advancing age. Her unwavering commitment to the organ and her church community serves as an inspiration to others, proving that it's never too late to continue doing what you love.