Wheaton church celebrates pipe organ’s 95th anniversary with special concert

Gary United Methodist Church in Wheaton will celebrate the 95-year history of its pipe organ on Saturday, May 31.

All are welcome to hear a pre-concert talk at 2:15 p.m., followed by the organ concert at 3 p.m. at the church, 224 N. Main St.

The church’s 1930 Austin pipe organ has led and supported worship every week for nearly a century. Music directors have changed, pastors have rotated in service, and musical styles and tastes have continued to evolve, but the organ has remained a constant.

You’ll see and/or hear from many of the church’s organists, including Lance Peeler, Bill Crosbie, Bill Phemister, Karl Bruhn, Randy Berner and Kevin Lange.

The program will include concert pieces and hymns and more. The concert program will include a history of the church’s organ including the original 1930 specification plus details of additions and modifications made through the years.

The program will highlight significant events and touring artists over the years who have played this organ in either solo or ensemble music presentations.

The church, founded in 1853, has music, kids, youth and adult ministries, plus opportunities for local, national and global missions. The church offers worship at 9 and 11:11 a.m. Between services, there’s Sunday school for all ages, a coffee fellowship hour, plus the chapel is available for prayer and reflection. For more information, go to garychurch.org or contact the church office at office@garychurch.org.