A grand piano that belonged to a Tamaqua couple who loved music and had the utmost faith in God has found a new home.

Fittingly, the piano owned by the late Richard and Janice Light is now at St. John XXIII Church.

“Their lives revolved around their faith and music, and their music being used for faith,” said niece Cheryl Nemeth, Tamaqua.

The donation to the Tamaqua church was made following Richard Light’s passing in August.

“My uncle would be thrilled to know that the piano is in the church,” Nemeth said.

Church officials said they are extremely grateful for the donation, and plan to formally dedicate it during a special concert.

Nemeth noted that while her uncle played the organ, it was her aunt who could be found tickling the ivories on the grand piano.

“My aunt became a music teacher,” Nemeth said. “She taught in schools and was at Tamaqua School District for a while, from what I remember. Then she started her own music studio.”

The studio was in the front two rooms of the Light’s house. From it, she taught piano, guitar and voice lessons.

“Eventually she wanted a grand piano, and when the time was right, they bought this piano,” Nemeth said.

Janice died in 1993 but Richard held onto the piano.

“After she passed, it was never played again. It sat in a room for 30 years,” Nemeth said.

Richard had wished that the instrument would eventually go to a church or a music student.

“He and my Aunt Janice were majorly involved in their church,” Nemeth said.

At St. John Lutheran Church, Richard played the organ and Janet directed the choir and bell choir, she noted. Richard played the organ at other churches, too.

Knowing how important it was to find a church home for the piano, Nemeth reached out to Dale Bonenberger, director of music at St. John XXIII.

“This piano is going to be up front for use for concerts,” Bonenberger said, saying that it will replace a “low-quality” digital piano.

He said that the church has a grand piano and organ on its balcony, the site where the choir sings.

But the Lights’ piano will be moved front and center for ecumenical or baccalaureate services and other concerts. It will also be played at some church services — like it was on a recent Sunday.

“I used it for the first time this weekend,” Bonenberger said. “Multiple people commented how nice it was — both how good it sounded and how wonderful it is that we now have such a wonderful instrument.”

The church will host a piano dedication concert at 7 p.m. Feb. 6. Andrew Sheranian of Boston will be the pianist at the public event and a reception will follow in the parish hall.

“We, as a parish, are extremely grateful and thankful for this wonderful donation,” Bonenberger said. “It really is a wonderful piano. I’m only getting now my first chances to play it, and having played it this weekend, it sounds so beautiful in church.”

“I’m so happy that that piano will come alive again,” Nemeth added.