Annie May Christian (she went by May for most of her life) was born in Decatur, Illinois, in 1866 to Matthew and Elizabeth (Mitchell) Christian. An excellent student—both academically and musically— Christian demonstrated her talent at an early age. She graduated from Bloomington High School in 1883, as the class salutatorian. She was a member of the Amateur Musical Club—an organization that became her true passion and life’s work. One of her more notable contributions was organizing the annual Charity Day Concert in 1902, the success of which led to her appointment as chairperson of the program committee. She then served as Vice President of the club from 1905 to 1910, and President from 1910 to 1923. While she served as President, the club grew in size and influence, earning a reputation for welcoming to Bloomington visiting national and international classical musicians and orchestras. May Christian never married, having made personal declarations that she was complete without a husband. She lived in Bloomington until her death in 1941.