CARILLON and WESTMINSTER CHIMES

The Carillon and Westminster Chimes came into being in 1974 as a gift from Dr. Robert E. Rice in honor of his wife, Geraldine, who was the organist at the time. After about 25 years the instrument breathed it's last breath. In 1999 an all digital I.T. /verdi /Carillon and Westminster Chimes were purchased. The Wesminster Chimes strike on the quarter hour from 9:00 A.M. to 9:00 P.M. each day except Sunday. The Carillon plays hymns several times each day and after

the church Services on Sunday's. /The /Carillon can be operated manual or electronically. They can be heard inside or outside of the Church.

PIPE ORGAN

The organ has a very long history but the story is not complete, the organists has a very unique story as well.

Our Sanctuary organ has a unique history. It is actually made up of two different pipe organs, a Hook and Hastings, and a Moller. The Hook and Hastings was originally made in 1880, and it was purchased and installed at a price of $1,875 at the time this church building was dedicated in 1880. The list price was $2,500 with 25% off because we paid cash. The value of the organ today would be many thousands of dollars and would be impossible for us to replace because of the tremendous cost of building the pipe organs.

The plaque on the organ says C. & G. G. Hook and Hastings, Boston.... It used tracker action, which means that the keys were difficult to depress, *giving the organist quite a work out), not at all like the easy, smooth action of modern organs. In those days the organ and choir loft were up high in front on a balcony that extended forward, and all of the organ pipes in full view.

In 1957 the Sanctuary was remodeled, and the organ and choir loft were brought down to the main floor level. At that time a Molier pipe organ was purchased from East Congregational Church in Grand Rapids when that church was going through a building program. The Hook and Hastings and the Molier were then combined to give us what we have today.

The console that you see up front where the organist sits is from the Molier and it displays a second plaque that says M. P. Molier.

GERRY RICE RECOGNITION DAY

All music day February 11, 2001, was dedicated to Gerry Rice in honor of her 45 years as Church Organist. She had begun playing for services in 1956.

During the announcements section of the service Pastor Jerry Jones called Gerry up to the chancel, ostensibly to welcome her back to the organ after a 2-month absence with pneumonia. The congregation gave her a standing ovation. She was flabbergasted to learn that All music was being dedicated to her. It had been a well-known secret for weeks.

THE CONGREGATIONAL PRAISE BAND

The Congregational Praise Band, formed by Greg Vader Mark appears on every special occasion at the outdoor services in the summer. They have performed Christmas Eve playing carols as people enter the Church to welcome them in. On occasions they accompany the congregation as they would sing hymns.

STRINGS

About 1990 several students of the High School Orchestra organized a group of strings. Mrs. Dorothy Oliver, a very talented musician, was one of the group and directed them when they first organized.

THE CHANCEL CHOIR

The Chancel Choir (then known as the Senior Choir) was first formed in the 1920's under the leadership of Mrs. Marjorie Black-Beardslee. Some of the earlier directors we remember are Richard Hodgkins, Tom Low, Helmer Petersen, Arthur Gorman, Brad Davis, Jerry Martin ( High School Ban Director), Then under the leadership of Arnold Staffen, 1971-1985, and now with Greg Vander Mark (1985 till today). The Chancel Choir performed for the church but it has performed special programs for the community as well.

JUNIOR CHOIR

The junior Choir had it's beginning in 1931-32 with Mrs. Clarence Roth as director. By November of 1933 there were 35 members dressed in white robes made by their mothers. We were blessed by many choir directors.

THE BELL CHORIS

Our five octave set of Schulmerich English hand bells was dedicated to the praise and worship of God in a special service on December 16, 1979. These beautiful bells were given by Dr. and Mrs. Robert Rice. Two Choirs performed that day, a teen choir and an adult choir with ten ringers/

Everything I have entered here is from OUR COVENANT GATHERING Volume II. This book is for the years 1977- 2002. If there is something others would like to add to this very important part part of our history, please drop me a note with the information.