Eleanor Horton has served as Minister of Music for the Payne Avenue Missionary Baptist Church since January, 2011.  She brings a wealth of experience and talent to the ministry.  From an early age, she was influenced by her father, Pastor/Founder of the First A.M.E. Zion Church in Knoxville and her mother who played organ and piano.  She began her piano studies at the age of eight. Many years were spent accompanying her mother and playing for various choral groups. After high school graduation, she enrolled in Business Administration and Music Education at Maryville College.  As one of eight African-American students, she persevered in her studies and obtained a foundation in piano, voice, theory and choral arts within the Music department. Sister Horton transition to Knoxville Business College (currently South College) to pursue