It wouldn’t be the Fourth of July without the annual patriotic organ concert hosted by Martha Franks Retirement Community.

This year’s concert will be held on Sunday, July 2 at 4:00 pm in the Rasor Chapel at Martha Franks Retirement Community (1 Martha Franks Drive, Laurens SC).

The concert features organist Joe Greer, who at the age of ninety is still serving as a church organist, and he doesn’t show any signs of retiring. Greer began developing his amazing talent about sixty-nine years ago graduating from Furman University with a master’s degree in music. While serving in the military he played the organ for the Army Chapel. Greer then served several churches which include First Baptist Laurens, First Baptist Conway, First Baptist Spartanburg, and First Baptist Greenwood.

In 1985 when Martha Franks Retirement Community opened, Joe started the first choir called the Martha Franks Singers. Over the years the choir has performed musicals, performed at conventions, and brought great joy to those listening, as well as those singing.

Greer always has a big smile on his face as he reminisces about the years of music at Martha Franks.

“The Martha Franks singers had such a wonderful time together,” said Greer. “I have enjoyed being a part of the development of this community, watching it grow from the ground up, and through it all seeing Martha Franks herself work very hard.”

Greer’s favorite music to play is Christmas music and Hymns. But definitely a favorite for concert attendees is his patriotic concerts.

If you haven’t attended the Martha Franks Patriotic Organ Concert before, this is your chance to see what it’s all about.

The concert is free and open to the public.