Music, Memories and History Combine for an Unforgettable Concert

One of the celebrations of Glen Morris United Church’s 175th Anniversary saw choir members, music directors and musicians from yesterday and today gather on Saturday, November 25 to present a concert that included not only wonderful music, but the musical history of this faith community as well.

All participants had gathered in the afternoon for the only rehearsal together, where friendships were renewed and a light supper was enjoyed, before the final evening performance. And then, from the a cappella opening of ‘Bonsa Aba’ accompanied by drummer Scott Jarvie to ‘Peace in the Valley’ and a rafter raising version of ‘Let it Shine’, every note was filled with the joy of being together in that beautiful stone church.

We heard a lovely piano solo by Leanne (Sandilands) Ziler, and many were moved by the beautiful duet ‘Peace on Earth’ by Bill Labron and Rick Comrie. Our current pianist Margaret Fleury played ‘Amazing Grace’ on the original pump organ that had been lovingly restored by Stuart Aitkin for our 150thanniversary, in memory of his father John. Past music director Judy Norman reunited a group of women, who over 40 years ago were known as ‘Les Eglise Chanteuse’ (The Church Singers), to perform their Kiwanis winning piece ‘Sing to the Lord’. I was amongst that group that many years ago, and joining me were Donna (Miller) Jarvie, Diane (Sharp) Schaller, Alison Ingall Musson, Rhonda (Kelman) VanderWielen and Sharon (Stratford) Taylor. We did miss having Cheryl Krug-Wiltsie, Lana Brisson and Beth Conley-Edwards with us.

We also heard from Peter Smith, Director of The Grand River Community Play Project which this community has been involved in and will be a venue for in 2025. In fact, half of this evening’s proceeds of  $780.00 went to this project.

I had the immense pleasure of being MC for the evening, sharing anecdotes and musical history and of course, the names of those who had imprinted our hearts, but left us far too soon – Heather Snell, Margaret Holton, Cathy Hoogstratten and Ann Cochrane. But the opportunity for me to pass the original tuning fork used by Precentor John Carswell, my great-great grandfather, to our music director Lynn McRuer, her great-great-great grandfather, was very special. And then Lynn sounded the note from that tuning fork to provide all four parts for which the entire room sang, without accompaniment, ‘Unto the Hills’.

This night would not have happened without the organization of many, but our music director Lynn McRuer, along with pianist Margaret Fleury, are the driving force that have us wanting to sing together and we thank them for their wonderful leadership. I can say that it was indeed a night that touched the hearts of both the performers and all in attendance - a beautiful display of talent, dedication and passion for music and this faith community. And a perfect way to celebrate 175 years of music at Glen Morris United Church. With so much time and talent shared, from past music directors, musicians and choir members to those of the present, it will be a memory that stays in the hearts of everyone for a long time.