EDITOR'S NOTE: Amen Corner is a weekly shout-out of faith, from the quirky to the sublime. We offer profiles of pastors, faith testimonies, choir performances, wisdom gleaned from church signs, and a joke or two. If you have suggestions for profiles or other column fodder, contact faith and values reporter Kelly Jasper at kelly.jasper@augustachronicle.com.

Les Reagan

WHO: The new piano player at First Baptist Church of Augusta is also the managing director of the Augusta Opera.

HIS STORY: The Conyers, Ga., native came to Augusta more than 20 years ago. He started playing piano on his first day of first grade. Previously, he played the organ for North Augusta's First Baptist Church. The father of two once played at St. John's United Methodist, where he is a member.

QUOTE: "I'm drawn to high church music. To me, that's what church is. Church is music. Music is worship."

HEAR HIM: Mr. Reagan plays at First Baptist at 8:30 and 11 a.m. Sundays.

FINAL WORDS: "As a church musician, it's our job to set the tone and take someone away. My job here in the opera is similar. There's so much wrong with the world that we just want to take you away for a few minutes."