St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, Fergus, is pleased to announce the upcoming Stephenson Organ Concert Series to be held at the church during Ontario’s Culture Days. Free and open to the public, the concerts will offer a rich musical experience for the community and feature inspiring performances from three of Ontario’s most accomplished organists on the following dates and times:
4 pm, Sunday, September 21: Christopher Dawes, Organist and Director of Music, Rosedale Presbyterian Church; Artistic Director of the Marion Singers of Greater Toronto.
4 pm, Sunday, September 28: Ian Sadler, former Director of Music, St. Paul’s Cathedral, London, Ontario; founder, Cathedral Singers of Ontario
4 pm, Sunday, October 5: Herb Ciceri, former Director of Music, Knox Presbyterian Church Guelph, Knox Presbyterian Church, Georgetown
The concerts will include music from Bach, Franck, Widor, Alain, Durufle, Schumann, Mendelssohn, and Handel, and will be followed by a 30-minute Compline Service.
The Stephenson Concert Series was established by a member of St. Andrew’s in memory of her father, W. Monroe Stephenson, II, a New Orleans-based musician who served as organist and director of music at several churches in the New Orleans area for more than 60 years. “My dad enjoyed sharing his musical talent as an organist and director of music at churches almost his entire life, from his teenage years until his retirement. The concerts are a fitting tribute to his memory. I hope the music of the organ vibrates in the souls of the audience and that attendees will leave inspired and joyful.” said Stephenson’s daughter, Shelley Midura, a three-year resident of Belwood.
The War Memorial Pipe Organ at St. Andrew’s was built by Kney and Bright from London, Ontario and installed in 1957. It boasts 852 pipes and was dedicated to the members of the church who died in the two world wars.
St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, commonly known as the “Church on the Hill,” due to its prominent location overlooking the town of Fergus, was founded in 1834, and plays an active role in the community through its participation in local events, such as the Fall Fair, Medieval Faire, and Fergus and Elora Christmas parades, and its many outreach programs, including Sports Camp, Messy Church, Summer Parks Program, and Vacation Bible School. It also supports five schools in Haiti through its HEARTS program. “Hosting these organ concerts fits with the church’s desire to be engaged with the community, and we look forward to welcoming organ enthusiasts to the church,” said St. Andrew’s Teaching Elder/Minister Peter Bush.
St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, Fergus is located at 325 St. George St. West, Fergus, Ontario. Worship services take place at 9:00 and 11:00 am Sunday mornings Sept.-May, and 10:00 am Sunday mornings June-August.
