Born into a family of Mississippi sharecroppers in 1900, Rosa Page Welch grew up immersed in the Christian faith. Her love of music was inspired by her father, who was a talented violinist and tenor in Claiborne County. She attended college at the Southern Christian Institute (SCI), a boarding school administrated by the Disciples of Christ, of which she remained a member for her entire life. Welch pursued her musical talents while studying at SCI and established an unwavering belief of non-violence, hope, and God’s love.