Marilyn Mason FCC 25th Anniversary

A 25th Anniversary Celebration Honoring Marilyn Masonand The Wilhelm Organ : 

A 25th Anniversary Celebration Honoring Marilyn Masonand The Wilhelm Organ First Congregational Church of Ann Arbor Sunday, March 21, 2010

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“Make a joyful noise to God, all the earth…” Psalms 66:1

Slide 3: 

First Congregational Church of Ann Arbor before 1900

Slide 4: 

Our Original Organ Photo taken prior to 1900 (The gas lights were replaced with electric lights in 1900)

Slide 5: 

Our Second Organ, the Austin Organ purchased in 1919- the first 3 manual organ in Ann Arbor

Slide 6: 

First Congregational Church of Ann Arbor in 1940

First Congregational Church in the Late 1950’s : 

First Congregational Church in the Late 1950’s

The Austin Organ in the Late 1950’sMaynard Klein, Choir Director, is conducting the music service : 

The Austin Organ in the Late 1950’sMaynard Klein, Choir Director, is conducting the music service

A different look…Christmas morning service, 1975 : 

A different look…Christmas morning service, 1975

Slide 10: 

Rev. Terry Smith giving the Benediction during a morning service

“ Music is an Art. An organ is the single most important and expensive item that graces the halls of a Christian church. Its music comprises fully 50% of a normal worship service. It is, in fact, another “minister” because it speaks to people in ways which are powerful and uplifting and at moments when the spoken word does not suffice.” Michele Johns : 

“ Music is an Art. An organ is the single most important and expensive item that graces the halls of a Christian church. Its music comprises fully 50% of a normal worship service. It is, in fact, another “minister” because it speaks to people in ways which are powerful and uplifting and at moments when the spoken word does not suffice.” Michele Johns

The beginning of the Wilhelm Organ… : 

In 1982, Michele Johns, church organist; the Music Committee, and an Organ Sub-Committee recommended that the Austin Organ be replaced. Thus a new chapter in the MUSIC of our church was begun…but there was much work to follow… The beginning of the Wilhelm Organ…

Leah attwatereileen chisholmtom gaffieldlarry hill (newly elected)david katz (just retired)Allen warnerann woodward, chairman : 

Leah attwatereileen chisholmtom gaffieldlarry hill (newly elected)david katz (just retired)Allen warnerann woodward, chairman Music Committee Members in 1982

An Organ Study Committee Was Formed:“The committee was chosen for variety in age, musical perspective and educational background. This was a combination which could surely be volatile, but, with the consensus approach and an extreme willingness to learn exhibited by the members, the process moved along with everyone anxious to learn enough to make an educated decision about what would best serve the church.” - Michele Johns : 

An Organ Study Committee Was Formed:“The committee was chosen for variety in age, musical perspective and educational background. This was a combination which could surely be volatile, but, with the consensus approach and an extreme willingness to learn exhibited by the members, the process moved along with everyone anxious to learn enough to make an educated decision about what would best serve the church.” - Michele Johns

Organ Sub-committee Members : 

Organ Sub-committee Members JACK AND EILEEN CHISHOLM TOM AND JEANETTE GAFFIELD LARRY JONES JANE SOOP BOB STARRING RAY AND PHILLIS STEINER ALLEN WARNER LOIS WILSON ANN WOODWARD, CHAIRPERSON

The Organ Sub-Committee Participated in:A. Visits to new pipe organs within the Ann Arbor area and within a 200 mile radius of Ann Arbor.B. Distribution of educational material on acoustics and new organ installations.C. Lectures and demonstrations by an acoustical engineer: considerations for remodeling.D. Regular communication with the senior pastor, church council, and board of trustees and the membership and governing bodies.E. The launching of a successful fund drive. : 

The Organ Sub-Committee Participated in:A. Visits to new pipe organs within the Ann Arbor area and within a 200 mile radius of Ann Arbor.B. Distribution of educational material on acoustics and new organ installations.C. Lectures and demonstrations by an acoustical engineer: considerations for remodeling.D. Regular communication with the senior pastor, church council, and board of trustees and the membership and governing bodies.E. The launching of a successful fund drive.

“…after many months of intensive research and expensive person-hours of time, the Organ Committee, composed of 12 members diverse in age and viewpoint, recommended the following in order to preserve the quality of worship an musical life of this congregation…Replace the existing organ with a new 3-manual instrument.” -Michele Johns January 1982 : 

“…after many months of intensive research and expensive person-hours of time, the Organ Committee, composed of 12 members diverse in age and viewpoint, recommended the following in order to preserve the quality of worship an musical life of this congregation…Replace the existing organ with a new 3-manual instrument.” -Michele Johns January 1982

“The church has hired an organist who is knowledgeable in the art of organ-building, (Michele Johns) and a music consultant (Marilyn Mason) whose additional qualifications are experience and credibility in the community and the University as well as national stature in organ-consulting…We recommend that the organist and organ consultant work closely with the organ-builder to finalize the specific nature of the design of this instrument.”- Organ Selection Committee : 

“The church has hired an organist who is knowledgeable in the art of organ-building, (Michele Johns) and a music consultant (Marilyn Mason) whose additional qualifications are experience and credibility in the community and the University as well as national stature in organ-consulting…We recommend that the organist and organ consultant work closely with the organ-builder to finalize the specific nature of the design of this instrument.”- Organ Selection Committee

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After considerable dedication and immersion in all things related to selecting an organ builder and organ, Karl Wilhelm was chosen by the Organ Sub-committee to build the new organ for our church.

Karl Wilhelm Company : 

Karl Wilhelm Company “We, a small group of professional Organbuilders, are specialised in building mechanical organs of all sizes. The design and layout of our instruments are in accordance with the principles of the classical tradition, and contains the basic stop list to play the classic German and French literature. On our three-manual instruments, we propose a large swell division, which is most suitable for the accompaniment of Anglican Church music, and serves the romantic repertoire as well.” Established in 1966

Having already served as a consultant, Marilyn Mason came into the process as an active participant after the Wilhelm organ was selected. : 

Having already served as a consultant, Marilyn Mason came into the process as an active participant after the Wilhelm organ was selected.

Left to Right: Marilyn Mason consultant, Ruth Jones, Organ Sub-committee member, and Karl Wilhelm - “the Steinway of organ builders”in Wilhelm’s Factory – November 24, 1984 : 

Left to Right: Marilyn Mason consultant, Ruth Jones, Organ Sub-committee member, and Karl Wilhelm - “the Steinway of organ builders”in Wilhelm’s Factory – November 24, 1984

Miniature Model of the Chancel( including movable pulpit and various sizes of movable screens )“Words are not adequate to describe the feelings of relief and excitement that viewing this mock-up of the sanctuary produced… Out of this discussion came the decision to build a wooden screen with a cross set in relief on the side facing the congregation. The screen, 8’ high and 10’ wide, would be used during services to help focus attention on the communion table, a central structure in the Congregational tradition. For recitals the screen could be unbolted from the floor and removed.” - Michele Johns : 

Miniature Model of the Chancel( including movable pulpit and various sizes of movable screens )“Words are not adequate to describe the feelings of relief and excitement that viewing this mock-up of the sanctuary produced… Out of this discussion came the decision to build a wooden screen with a cross set in relief on the side facing the congregation. The screen, 8’ high and 10’ wide, would be used during services to help focus attention on the communion table, a central structure in the Congregational tradition. For recitals the screen could be unbolted from the floor and removed.” - Michele Johns

A space to be filled... : 

A space to be filled...

MANY PREPARATIONS were made to accommodate the organ. In addition to the removal of the acoustical tile from the ceiling, the carpet was removed from the chancel area and special lighting was installed to alternately highlight the organ, the pulpit, or the general chancel area, depending on the need. A new microphone replaced the outdated and insufficient one. : 

MANY PREPARATIONS were made to accommodate the organ. In addition to the removal of the acoustical tile from the ceiling, the carpet was removed from the chancel area and special lighting was installed to alternately highlight the organ, the pulpit, or the general chancel area, depending on the need. A new microphone replaced the outdated and insufficient one.

Karl Wilhelm arrived in Ann Arbor on Tuesday, January 8, 1985.The organ arrived Wednesday, January 9, 1985 after being delayed at the Windsor bridge.  Thursday, January 10, the case or “buffet” had been built. : 

Karl Wilhelm arrived in Ann Arbor on Tuesday, January 8, 1985.The organ arrived Wednesday, January 9, 1985 after being delayed at the Windsor bridge.  Thursday, January 10, the case or “buffet” had been built.

“The organ case is designed ac- cording to the principle of ''golden section'' and made of solid white oak. The free spaces above the pipes are filled with hand carved pipe shades,(designed by J. Gunner Anderson) thus providing an acoustical function as well as enhancing the visual appearance of the organ.” –Karl Wilhelm, organ builder : 

“The organ case is designed ac- cording to the principle of ''golden section'' and made of solid white oak. The free spaces above the pipes are filled with hand carved pipe shades,(designed by J. Gunner Anderson) thus providing an acoustical function as well as enhancing the visual appearance of the organ.” –Karl Wilhelm, organ builder

The Wilhelm Organ moving in! : 

The Wilhelm Organ moving in!

Marilyn Mason, organ consultant and future FCC organist, checking things out! : 

Marilyn Mason, organ consultant and future FCC organist, checking things out!

“The metal pipes are handmade out of tinlead alloys. Some of the flute pipes are hammered lead and have soldered-on caps or are cone-tuned for greater tuning stability and best tone quality. The voicing is done in the classical manner for natural speech and mellow blend. Selected woods and other reliable materials are chosen to ensure lasting quality.” -Karl Wilhelm : 

“The metal pipes are handmade out of tinlead alloys. Some of the flute pipes are hammered lead and have soldered-on caps or are cone-tuned for greater tuning stability and best tone quality. The voicing is done in the classical manner for natural speech and mellow blend. Selected woods and other reliable materials are chosen to ensure lasting quality.” -Karl Wilhelm

Pipes! : 

Pipes!

…and more pipes : 

…and more pipes

…and MORE pipes! : 

…and MORE pipes!

It was expected to take up to four weeks to do the voicing of the more than 2,000 pipes in the organ.  During this time, some pipes would be available for limited use. : 

It was expected to take up to four weeks to do the voicing of the more than 2,000 pipes in the organ.  During this time, some pipes would be available for limited use.

The Wilhelm Organin all its glory! : 

The Wilhelm Organin all its glory!

At this time, Rev. Terry Smith was our Senior Minister : 

At this time, Rev. Terry Smith was our Senior Minister

Dorothy Lenz served as a Lay Minister : 

Dorothy Lenz served as a Lay Minister

Dr. Willis Patterson was the Music Director at First Congregational Church and directed the Chancel Choir when the Wilhelm Organ made it’s debut : 

Dr. Willis Patterson was the Music Director at First Congregational Church and directed the Chancel Choir when the Wilhelm Organ made it’s debut

“With Professor Willis Patterson as music director of the church, University organist Professor Marilyn Mason as organist of the church, and organist Michele Johns on the church organ committee, there is no doubt that the new organ will be widely used for both religious and secular purposes.‘The Wilhelm is an elegant instrument,’ says Mason. ‘It will greatly enhance the worship services and will serve all the repertoire of organ music.’”-from The Ann Arbor News - “Concert series showcases handmade organ”Saturday, February 16,1985 : 

“With Professor Willis Patterson as music director of the church, University organist Professor Marilyn Mason as organist of the church, and organist Michele Johns on the church organ committee, there is no doubt that the new organ will be widely used for both religious and secular purposes.‘The Wilhelm is an elegant instrument,’ says Mason. ‘It will greatly enhance the worship services and will serve all the repertoire of organ music.’”-from The Ann Arbor News - “Concert series showcases handmade organ”Saturday, February 16,1985

Slide 41: 

Professional Recording: Michele Johns, organist, French and German organ music featuring the Bach Toccatas in F major and D minor

“Concert series showcases handmade organ”as reported in the Ann Arbor NewsSaturday February 16, 1985 : 

“Concert series showcases handmade organ”as reported in the Ann Arbor NewsSaturday February 16, 1985 Allen Warner and Michele Johns with the new organ NEWS PHOTO- CECIL LOCKARD

The dedication of the organ was originally planned for February 24, 1985. This was changed to March 24 during the week of February 3. Marilyn Mason played the organ for the morning service on February 24, 1985. There was an all-Bach concert given on March 21 in celebration of the 300th anniversary of Bach’s birth with some 30 organists playing from 8 a.m. to 1 a.m. The organ was dedicated on Sunday, March 24, 1985 during the morning service. The dedication continued at a 4 p.m. concert played by Marilyn Mason as organist and the Ann Arbor Chamber Orchestra. : 

The dedication of the organ was originally planned for February 24, 1985. This was changed to March 24 during the week of February 3. Marilyn Mason played the organ for the morning service on February 24, 1985. There was an all-Bach concert given on March 21 in celebration of the 300th anniversary of Bach’s birth with some 30 organists playing from 8 a.m. to 1 a.m. The organ was dedicated on Sunday, March 24, 1985 during the morning service. The dedication continued at a 4 p.m. concert played by Marilyn Mason as organist and the Ann Arbor Chamber Orchestra.

Dedication Service and Concert March 24,1985 : 

Dedication Service and Concert March 24,1985

Sunday Dedication Service March 24, 1985 : 

Sunday Dedication Service March 24, 1985

1985 Summer Concert Series featuring the Wilhelm Organ : 

1985 Summer Concert Series featuring the Wilhelm Organ

Just one of the 16 concerts performed in the summer of 1985…this one featuring Marilyn Mason at the organ : 

Just one of the 16 concerts performed in the summer of 1985…this one featuring Marilyn Mason at the organ

Lenten Music Series 1985 : 

Lenten Music Series 1985

Michele Johns, who had served as organist at First Congregational Church since 1981, accepted another organist position in the Summer of 1984.It is then that Marilyn Mason took over as First Congregational Church’s s organist. : 

Michele Johns, who had served as organist at First Congregational Church since 1981, accepted another organist position in the Summer of 1984.It is then that Marilyn Mason took over as First Congregational Church’s s organist.

Marilyn Mason is University Organist and Chairman of the Organ Department at the University of Michigan.“Her extensive career as a concert organist, lecturer, adjudicator, and teacher has carried her throughout the musical world. She was the first American woman to play in Westminster Abbey, the first woman organist to play in Latin America and the first American to play in Egypt.” -University of Michigan School of Music, Theatre, and Dance : 

Marilyn Mason is University Organist and Chairman of the Organ Department at the University of Michigan.“Her extensive career as a concert organist, lecturer, adjudicator, and teacher has carried her throughout the musical world. She was the first American woman to play in Westminster Abbey, the first woman organist to play in Latin America and the first American to play in Egypt.” -University of Michigan School of Music, Theatre, and Dance

GO BLUE, MARILYN! : 

GO BLUE, MARILYN!

Marilyn has celebrated 50 years at the U of M… : 

Marilyn has celebrated 50 years at the U of M…

On April 19, 2009 she was honored by the American Guild of Organists… : 

On April 19, 2009 she was honored by the American Guild of Organists…

But at the First Congregational Church of Ann Arbor, we are proud that she has been OUR ORGANIST for 25 years!!! : 

But at the First Congregational Church of Ann Arbor, we are proud that she has been OUR ORGANIST for 25 years!!!

We are pleased to be celebrating Marilyn Mason and the Wilhelm Organ’s 25th Anniversary today, March 21, 2010. : 

We are pleased to be celebrating Marilyn Mason and the Wilhelm Organ’s 25th Anniversary today, March 21, 2010.

Today’s 4 p.m.ConcertProgram : 

Today’s 4 p.m.ConcertProgram

The following have shared their individual talents in participating to celebrate this day in a very special way… : 

The following have shared their individual talents in participating to celebrate this day in a very special way…

Karl Wilhelm : 

Karl Wilhelm

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Karl Wilhelm Mont-Saint-Hilaire, Quebec Karl Wilhelm learned to build organs in Germany and Switzerland, where he worked with the renowned organ makers Metzler and Sohne. He immigrated to Canada during the 1960s resurgence of organ building in Quebec, when the Casavant firm recruited European organ makers to revive tracker-action organs (which had not been built since 1904). In 1966, he established his own company, Karl Wilhelm Inc., in Mont-Saint-Hilaire. Staffed by a group of talented, specialized artisans, many trained by Wilhelm himself, his workshop is equipped to build all parts of the tracker-action organ and has produced over 120 organs, which have been sold throughout North America.

James C. Nissen : 

James C. Nissen

Dr. James Nissen, a native of Ann Arbor, who received bachelor, masters, and doctorate degrees from the University of Michigan, is the Music Director at First Congregational Church of Ann Arbor. He is also the Chancel Choir Director. He studied composition and organ with Jean Langlais on a Fulbright fellowship. A talented musician, he has conducted choral and instrumental ensembles throughout Ann Arbor, including the Ann Arbor Concert Band, and he has composed extensively for choir, band, and organ. Jim is a Humanities Professor at Schoolcraft College in Livonia,Michigan. Jim will tell you that he is fondly known by Marilyn Mason as “Jimmy!” : 

Dr. James Nissen, a native of Ann Arbor, who received bachelor, masters, and doctorate degrees from the University of Michigan, is the Music Director at First Congregational Church of Ann Arbor. He is also the Chancel Choir Director. He studied composition and organ with Jean Langlais on a Fulbright fellowship. A talented musician, he has conducted choral and instrumental ensembles throughout Ann Arbor, including the Ann Arbor Concert Band, and he has composed extensively for choir, band, and organ. Jim is a Humanities Professor at Schoolcraft College in Livonia,Michigan. Jim will tell you that he is fondly known by Marilyn Mason as “Jimmy!”

Sipjke Pesnichak : 

Sipjke Pesnichak

Sipkje Pesnichak is currently finishing a Masters degree in oboe performance at the University of Michigan. A native of Syracuse, New York, she received her Bachelor of Music degree in instrumental music education from the State University of New York at Fredonia in 2008. While at Fredonia she was a Concerto Competition winner and the recipient of the Performer’s Certificate, Fredonia’s highest performing honor. Sipkje is currently associate organist at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Roman Catholic Church in Wyandotte, MI and teaches choir at Our Lady of Mount Carmel High School. She currently studies oboe with Nancy Ambrose King, organ with Marilyn Mason and carillon with Steven Ball. : 

Sipkje Pesnichak is currently finishing a Masters degree in oboe performance at the University of Michigan. A native of Syracuse, New York, she received her Bachelor of Music degree in instrumental music education from the State University of New York at Fredonia in 2008. While at Fredonia she was a Concerto Competition winner and the recipient of the Performer’s Certificate, Fredonia’s highest performing honor. Sipkje is currently associate organist at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Roman Catholic Church in Wyandotte, MI and teaches choir at Our Lady of Mount Carmel High School. She currently studies oboe with Nancy Ambrose King, organ with Marilyn Mason and carillon with Steven Ball.

Quinn Reichard : 

Quinn Reichard

Quinn Reichard is thirteen years old and has been home-schooled for his entire life. He serves as Organ Scholar and one of two Chapel Organists at the First Congregational Church of Ann Arbor. He first got interested in the organ when he was six years old. He has been studying with Dr. Marilyn Mason for the past two years. : 

Quinn Reichard is thirteen years old and has been home-schooled for his entire life. He serves as Organ Scholar and one of two Chapel Organists at the First Congregational Church of Ann Arbor. He first got interested in the organ when he was six years old. He has been studying with Dr. Marilyn Mason for the past two years.

Steven Ball : 

Steven Ball

Steven Ball, a doctoral degree graduate of the University of Michigan School of Music, holds the unique distinction of being the first organist in modern academic history to have received a diploma by demonstrating his abilities as a performer on both the classical and theater organ. He is also the first Theater Organist to have received a DMA. Recognized now as one of the world's foremost authorities on the interpretation and scholarship of silent films, he has concertized and lectured around the world including solo performances and silent film presentations in the Netherlands, Germany, Belgium, France, Portugal, Ireland, England and Switzerland. Dr. Ball is one of fewer than a half dozen organists in the world to hold a staff organist position at a movie theater, the premiere organist for the world's first concerto for Theater Organ and Orchestra and the first person ever to accompany a silent film on the carillon. He was also the recipient of a Fulbright Scholarship to the Netherlands in 2001 for his work in the world of Campanology and Carillon Performance. In addition to his duties as staff organist of the Michigan Theater, he is currently Carillonneur at the University of Michigan where he both performs and teaches. : 

Steven Ball, a doctoral degree graduate of the University of Michigan School of Music, holds the unique distinction of being the first organist in modern academic history to have received a diploma by demonstrating his abilities as a performer on both the classical and theater organ. He is also the first Theater Organist to have received a DMA. Recognized now as one of the world's foremost authorities on the interpretation and scholarship of silent films, he has concertized and lectured around the world including solo performances and silent film presentations in the Netherlands, Germany, Belgium, France, Portugal, Ireland, England and Switzerland. Dr. Ball is one of fewer than a half dozen organists in the world to hold a staff organist position at a movie theater, the premiere organist for the world's first concerto for Theater Organ and Orchestra and the first person ever to accompany a silent film on the carillon. He was also the recipient of a Fulbright Scholarship to the Netherlands in 2001 for his work in the world of Campanology and Carillon Performance. In addition to his duties as staff organist of the Michigan Theater, he is currently Carillonneur at the University of Michigan where he both performs and teaches.

Michele Johns : 

Michele Johns

Michele Johns is professor of music at the University of Michigan School of Music, Theatre, & Dance, where she has taught church music skills and philosophy for over twenty years. publication of articles for the practicing church musician.Dr. Johns is co-founder and executive director of The American Center of Church Music, an Ann Arbor-based, non-profit organization through which she was producer of five interdenominational choir festivals plus concerts, hymn-playing competitions, workshops, and conferences for the enrichment of church musicians.  She is also the co-founder and first Dean of the Ann Arbor chapter of the American Guild of Organists.As a scholar-performer, Dr. Johns has specialized in historic keyboards and their literature. Organ solo appearances in North America and abroad have featured music of the 18th and 20th centuries.For more than twenty years, Michele Johns served as Director of Music at Our Lady of Good Counsel Parish, Plymouth MI, developing one of the largest music ministries in the Archdiocese of Detroit.  She was organist of the First Congregational Church during the organ selection process and was adviser-consultant to the church. : 

Michele Johns is professor of music at the University of Michigan School of Music, Theatre, & Dance, where she has taught church music skills and philosophy for over twenty years. publication of articles for the practicing church musician.Dr. Johns is co-founder and executive director of The American Center of Church Music, an Ann Arbor-based, non-profit organization through which she was producer of five interdenominational choir festivals plus concerts, hymn-playing competitions, workshops, and conferences for the enrichment of church musicians.  She is also the co-founder and first Dean of the Ann Arbor chapter of the American Guild of Organists.As a scholar-performer, Dr. Johns has specialized in historic keyboards and their literature. Organ solo appearances in North America and abroad have featured music of the 18th and 20th centuries.For more than twenty years, Michele Johns served as Director of Music at Our Lady of Good Counsel Parish, Plymouth MI, developing one of the largest music ministries in the Archdiocese of Detroit.  She was organist of the First Congregational Church during the organ selection process and was adviser-consultant to the church.

James Kibbie : 

James Kibbie

James Kibbie is Professor of Organ at the University of Michigan. He also maintains a full schedule of concert, recording, and festival engagements throughout North America and Europe, including appearances at the Cathedral of Notre Dame in Paris, Royal Festival Hall in London, Dvorak Hall in Prague, and Lincoln Center in New York. During his month-long concert tour of the Soviet Union in 1991, Pravda hailed him as "a marvelous organist, a brilliant interpreter." A frequent jury member of international organ competitions, he has himself been awarded the Grand Prix d'Interprétation at the prestigious International Organ Competition of Chartres, France, and is also the only American to have won the International Organ Competition of the Prague Spring Festival in Czechoslovakia. James Kibbie is internationally renowned as an authority on the organ music of Johann Sebastian Bach.  He has performed the complete cycle of Bach organ works in a series of eighteen recitals and is in constant demand as a Bach recitalist and clinician.   Among the honors he has received, Dr. Kibbie is particularly proud of the James Kibbie Scholarship, endowed in 2004 by former students, family and friends to support students majoring in organ performance and church music. : 

James Kibbie is Professor of Organ at the University of Michigan. He also maintains a full schedule of concert, recording, and festival engagements throughout North America and Europe, including appearances at the Cathedral of Notre Dame in Paris, Royal Festival Hall in London, Dvorak Hall in Prague, and Lincoln Center in New York. During his month-long concert tour of the Soviet Union in 1991, Pravda hailed him as "a marvelous organist, a brilliant interpreter." A frequent jury member of international organ competitions, he has himself been awarded the Grand Prix d'Interprétation at the prestigious International Organ Competition of Chartres, France, and is also the only American to have won the International Organ Competition of the Prague Spring Festival in Czechoslovakia. James Kibbie is internationally renowned as an authority on the organ music of Johann Sebastian Bach.  He has performed the complete cycle of Bach organ works in a series of eighteen recitals and is in constant demand as a Bach recitalist and clinician.   Among the honors he has received, Dr. Kibbie is particularly proud of the James Kibbie Scholarship, endowed in 2004 by former students, family and friends to support students majoring in organ performance and church music.

Darcy Crain Joel Beam Associate Minister Minister of Pastoral Care : 

Darcy Crain Joel Beam Associate Minister Minister of Pastoral Care

Rev. Robert K. LivingstonSenior Minister FCC : 

Rev. Robert K. LivingstonSenior Minister FCC

“For the past 13 years, I have had the pleasure of knowing Marilyn as one of our church members and working with her as a colleague.  Marilyn is a win-some and delightful person, a woman of faith who exudes positive energy, inspiration, and compassion.  She is a very special friend. “ - Bob Livingston, Senior Minister : 

“For the past 13 years, I have had the pleasure of knowing Marilyn as one of our church members and working with her as a colleague.  Marilyn is a win-some and delightful person, a woman of faith who exudes positive energy, inspiration, and compassion.  She is a very special friend. “ - Bob Livingston, Senior Minister

God’s Blessings to you, Marilyn Mason, for all you have done and continue to do in ministering to our church congregation with your beautiful gift of music. : 

God’s Blessings to you, Marilyn Mason, for all you have done and continue to do in ministering to our church congregation with your beautiful gift of music.

And in grateful appreciation, we at First Congregational Church wish you a heartfeltHappy 25th Anniversary! : 

And in grateful appreciation, we at First Congregational Church wish you a heartfeltHappy 25th Anniversary!