FERGUS – St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church in Fergus has announced an 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 musical experience for the community and feature performances from three organists on the following dates and times:
– Christopher Dawes, Sept. 21 at 4pm;
– Ian Sadler, Sept. 28 at 4pm; and
– Herb Ciceri, Oct. 5 at 4pm.
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,” said Stephenson’s daughter, Shelley Midura, who has lived in Belwood for three years.
“I hope the music of the organ vibrates in the souls of the audience and that attendees will leave inspired and joyful.”
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 Pres-byterian Church, Fergus is located at 325 St. George St. W., Fergus.
Worship services take place from 9 to 11am, Sunday mornings September to May, and 10am Sunday mornings June to August.
