Presbyterians host organist and carilloneur
COSHOCTON – The Presbyterian Church, 142 N. Fourth Street, Coshocton, will host guest organist and carilloneur W. Robert Morrison on Sunday, Sept. 11. Dr. Morrison will play the organ, carillon, and piano for 10:30 a.m. worship, assisted by church organist, Alice M. Hoover. The service will include a time of reflection on the 15th anniversary of our country’s 9/11 tragedy.
At 12:15 p.m., Mr. Morrison will play the carillon keyboard from the front steps of the church, and the sounds of the bells will be heard from the church belfry by those seated on the courtsquare and by those listening as the music wafts over the city. In the event of rain, the concert will be held in the sanctuary. The afternoon concert will include a medley of hymns chosen from a list of audience requests, folk tunes, show tunes, and patriotic favorites. Some folding chairs will be available or listeners may bring their own. The concert will last about an hour.
The Presbyterian carillon has touched the Coshocton community since 1946. The current 61-bell Schulmerich instrument was dedicated in October 1997, and dedicated to the glory of God in memory of Richard J. Finnegan by Kathryn E. Finnegan. On Oct. 29 of that year, it began ringing the Westminster chimes and tolling the hours and half hours, 9 a.m. through 9 p.m. A hymn tune is played after the noon and 5 p.m. tolls. On Sunday mornings, the church school hour is announced with a special toll, and a 10:15 a.m. peal reminds worshipers to gather in the sanctuary. The carillon is also played occasionally in worship, providing thrilling bell descants for hymn singing. The Sept. 11 concert will mark Dr. Morrison’s fifth visit since 2007.
Morrison, a native of Baltimore, Maryland, has studied at John Hopkins University, the Peabody Conservatory, Reformed Episcopal Seminary, and Westminster Choir College. He moved to Canton, Ohio in 1951 to become minster of music at First Methodist Church, the church home of President William McKinley. Following his retirement in 1995, he was named minister of music emeritus of the now renamed Church of the Savior United Methodist Church. Since 1997 he has served at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church in Canton. Morrison holds an honorary doctorate from Malone University, and is a Fellow in the American Guild of Organists. He has also recorded for the Schulmerich Bell Company.
All are invited to worship and/or the carillon concert. The Presbyterian Church is located across from the courtsquare, and ample parking space is available.
Category: Faith
