Showing posts with label Obituary. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Obituary. Show all posts

Tuesday, November 13, 2012

Saying goodbye all too soon

Yesterday, my friend Cindy told me about the untimely passing of a mutual friend of ours, David Hockenberger. He died suddenly last Friday, doing what he loved (bicycling). He was only 55 years old.

David, Cindy, and I were part of the Music Ministry at St. Stephen's Episcopal Church in Durham. David and I were in the bell choir, and I had also sung in the choir when Richard Townley was the organist/choir director.

I had moved on to another music program in the area, and David eventually moved away from the Triangle area. I didn't see him again until last February at Holy Comforter in Burlington. My friend, Colin, was ordained a Transitional Deacon, and David was singing in the choir. He had recognised me and approached me after the service. We chatted for a little bit. It was great catching up with him.

Last Saturday, my friend Laurie, who is the organist/choirmaster at Holy Comforter, posted a note asking our prayers for one of her choir members, David H. It didn't register to me that I knew who that was until I talked to Cindy yesterday evening. And then it hit me—this was someone I knew, someone whose company I had enjoyed, someone who was a devoted father to his two children and husband to his wife of 30+ years, and this someone is no longer with us. His funeral was earlier this afternoon, and according to friends who went, it was a good celebration of his life.

Please pray for the family David leaves behind: his wife, Beverly, and his children, Evan and Kaitlyn. Requiem aeternam dona ei, Domine, et lux perpetua luceat ei. Requiescat in pace. Amen.

Here is a link to David's obituary. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in David's name to Hospice and Palliative Care Center of Alamance-Caswell, 914 Chapel Hill Road, Burlington, NC 27215.

Saturday, May 5, 2012

James Garfield Richardson (1964–2012)

Last Thursday, we gathered in the garden behind the Parish House at St. Joseph's Episcopal Church for a Memorial Service for James. The decision was made to have it in the garden because James loved being outdoors, and he was particularly fond of the church's community garden. It was a hot late afternoon, but the skies were clear.

After the service was over, a dogwood tree was planted in James' memory. It's a fitting tribute to a man who was always greeting people with a smile and telling them to "stay blessed."

Almighty God, we remember before you today your faithful servant James; and we pray that, having opened to him the gates of larger life, you will receive him more and more into your joyful service, that, with all who have faithfully served you in the past, he may share in the eternal victory of Jesus Christ our Lord; who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.



James Garfield Richardson, son of J.W. and Clara Hall Richardson, was born on January 31, 1964 in Johnston County, North Carolina, and on April 25, 2012, he departed this life at Duke Medical Center.

Garfield, as he was called by his family and friends, was educated in the Public Schools of Wake County. He was a hard worker and a kind-hearted man who loved his family and his friends.

He leaves to cherish his memories his loving and devoted mother, Clara, and father, J.W. Richardson of Raleigh; sisters Sherri Richardson and Teresa Richardson of Raleigh; brother Gregory Richardson (Betty) of Raleigh; two nieces, eight nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, and other relatives and friends.

(And also a community of friends and neighbours in the Old West Durham neighbourhood. James, you touched more people than you'll ever know. Stay blessed, my friend.)

Sunday, November 13, 2011

RIP, Erna Dorn (1928-2011)

To many, Erna was the "Hug Lady". She always had a hug and a smile for everyone. She even handed out "Hug Cards", redeemable for the next time she'd see you.

I first met Erna and her husband, Louis, at St. Stephen's Episcopal Church. We were singing in an Evensong for the Epiphany. I still remember after the service, Louis approached me and started to speak to me in a language I thought was French. So I asked him, "Répétez s’il vous plaît?" He did, but in a language I realised was not French but Tagalog! So we proceeded to have a conversation, he speaking in Tagalog, and me responding in English. People around us were astounded: how were we communicating?

I later learned they spent 21 years in the Philippines as missionaries before returning to the United States in the 1970s. They referred to their time in the Philippines as their '21-year honeymoon."

We saw each other from time to time over the years. They eventually left Durham for the Chicago area to be closer to one of their children, especially after the health problems Louis experienced. I know their children probably felt better about having them nearby.

I had received a phone call a couple of days ago, informing me that Erna had passed away. It was sudden; she and Louis had finished having their supper, and then Erna said she wasn't feeling well. It was a blessing that she was taken so quickly, and that she didn't suffer.

I'll miss you, Erna. I'll miss your smile, your hugs, and your stories. Rest in peace.

Condolences also to Louis, as well as to their children and grandchildren and other family members and friends.

Click here to read the obituary.

Monday, October 3, 2011

Details about Joy Funtila Larsen's Viewing and Funeral Mass

For those of you who knew Joy (and to whom I had referred in my previous post) here are details about daily prayers, viewing, and funeral this week (courtesy of Aurora Sprague).

Please spare a thought, prayer, etc. to her husband, Carl, and their children, Cade, Ian, and newborn baby Caitlyn Marie.



We are having prayer every night at Joy's house at 7:30pm through October 9.

Joy's Address:

3137 Groveshire Dr.
Raleigh, NC 27616


First Viewing: October 6th, 6 – 8 p.m.

Renaissance Funeral Home
7615 Six Forks Road
Raleigh NC 27615

Second Viewing:
October 7 at St Raphael's Church on Falls of the Neuse at 1pm followed by Mass at 4pm

Edited to add: Joy's obituary has posted. You can read it at the News and Observer or at the Renaissance Funeral Home webpage.

Tuesday, November 9, 2010

Information for Jay Presa's funeral services this week

Passed on to me by Arlyn (Angel) Muñoz.



Dear Friends & Family:

Here is the information for Jay Presa's funeral services this week. They are all being held at El Camino Memorial Park & Mortuary, 5600 Carroll Canyon Rd, San Diego, CA 92121. The phone number there is: 1-800-352-2646.


Please spread the word out to everyone who knew Jay.

Thanks!!!



This might be a good place to link back to a post I did a couple of years ago after the tragic passing of a young Filipino medical student. I had blogged on Filipino funeral traditions, which you may read by clicking here.

RIP, Jay.

Sunday, November 7, 2010

More joys and sorrows

Not long after I wrote yesterday's post, I found out through my Facebook friends-list (f-list) that Jay Presa had passed away. I'll admit that I never really knew him, but I knew of him. I was very sorry to hear of his passing. Many of my Facebook f-listers were friends with Jay. As one of them had put it: "I didn't know him well in school but was happy to reconnect with him on Facebook." Another said, "He had a gift and re-established connections between us all that we probably never would have made without him."

She added, "What a wonderful soul; heaven is blessed."

From what I've been hearing about him, I believe that assessment is correct. We're all the more poorer, but our loss is heaven's gain. Requiem aeternam dona ei, Domine, et lux perpetua luceat ei. Requiescat in pace. Amen.



I had a wonderful time reconnecting with Laura Ellis of the University of Florida today. She brought members of UF's Carillon Studio with her, and we were all standing outside Duke Chapel, listening to Sam Hammond play the carillon postlude pieces. I managed to record a bit of it. If I can figure out how to upload it and link it to this blog, I'll definitely do it. Stay tuned for that.

We ended up having bagel sandwiches for lunch whilst listening to Sam talk about the history of Duke Chapel and about the carillon. He's been there for a long time, and I'm sure he has a lot of wonderful stories to tell.

Unfortunately, I had to dash off after lunch because I had to conduct a choir practice in southeast Durham. I would have dearly loved to see the carillon, but hopefully I'll have the chance to do so sometime in the future.

The bell is back at Chapel of the Cross! I was very happy to ring it as a call to worship once again. It has a different feel, though: I had to pull on the rope really hard to get it to even start swinging, and once it went, it wouldn't stop. I pulled on the rope 13 times, intending to ring the bell 14 times, but it went on and on, stopping after 31.

There were a group of choristers who followed me up to the balcony, wanting to experience the bell-ringing. I have the feeling I won't be the only ding-a-ling ringing the call to worship. And I don't mind that; it's nice to share the wealth.

I'm feeling really optimistic about the Filipino Choir. I'm introducing what apparently seems to be one new piece to them: the Hontiveros setting of Halina, Hesus (Come, Jesus). I figured this group might know it; it was composed in 1973 and is considered one of the classics in Filipino liturgical repertoire. I suppose this might be true of those living and singing in the Philippines, but not necessarily true with those ex-pats in the Filipino Diaspora.

But going over the piece, they picked it up pretty easily, so I'm not worried. Simbang Gabi Mass, for which we are preparing, will be on Friday, December 17, so I'm optimistic we'll get it learnt by then.

I'll just post my music lists in a couple of separate posts and call it a night.

Friday, March 5, 2010

Memorial Service for Bette C. Parkins (1924–2010)

Today, I attended a memorial service for Bette Parkins, who was the mother of Duke University organist and Professor of the Practice of Music, Bob Parkins. I never knew her; she was one of the Friday office volunteers at First Presbyterian Church in Durham. She sounded like a wonderful person. She was also beloved mother to Patricia (Bob's sister), mother-in-law to Kathy (with whom I work at FPC) and beloved grandmother to David, Laura, Michael, and Jesse.

It was a simple service with organ music provided by Bob. I couldn't help but think it was befitting of the mother of an organist. You could tell Bob's heart and soul went into this tribute to his mother. It was a beautiful service.

Here are the music and hymns, as well as the readings, that were a part of this service.

Prelude:
  • O Welt, ich muss dich lassen (No. 11), Johannes Brahms (1833–1897)
  • O wie selig seid ihr doch, ihr Frommen, Brahms
  • Schmücke dich, o liebe Seele, Brahms
  • Canzone (from the Symphonic Chorale Jesu, meine Freude), Sigfrid Karg-Elert (1877–1933)
Hymn: The King of Love, My Shepherd Is (ST. COLUMBA)
Old Testament Lessons: Genesis 1:1–5; Isaiah 9:2; Isaiah 60:1–3; Psalm 27
Interlude: "The Peace may be exchanged." (from Rubrics), Dan Locklair (b. 1949)
New Testament Lessons: John 1:1–5; John 14:1–7; Mark 9:1–8; Revelation 22:1–5
Hymn: Come Down, O Love Divine (DOWN AMPNEY)
Postlude: O Welt, ich muss dich lassen (No. 3), Brahms

Friday, February 19, 2010

RIP, Richard Proulx (1937-2010)

I just received the news that Richard Proulx died last night.

As posted by Rob Ridgell on Proulx' Facebook fan page: 'Richard Proulx died last night (February 18) at 11:25pm in Chicago. Please keep him, his sisters, family and friends in your thoughts and prayers.'

Here is a biography of him, just in case you've not heard of him:

RICHARD PROULX (1937-2010) was a widely published composer of more than 300 works, including congregational music in every form, sacred and secular choral works, song cycles, two operas, and instrumental and organ music. He served as consultant for The Hymnal 1982, the New Yale Hymnal, the Methodist Hymnal, Worship II and III, and has contributed to the Mennonite Hymnal and The Presbyterian Hymnal. Proulx was a member of the Standing Commission on Church Music of the Episcopal Church and was a founding member of the Conference of Roman Catholic Cathedral Musicians. He has conducted choral festivals and workshops across the country as well as in Canada, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Scotland, Australia, and New Zealand.

Richard Proulx was appointed composer-in-residence for 1994–1995 at the Cathedral of the Madeleine in Salt Lake City, and was a visiting fellow at the Seminary of the Southwest in Austin. He has served on summer faculties of the Montreat Conference, the Evergreen Conference, and St. John’s University School of Theology. Currently working as a free-lance composer and conductor, he has also been an editorial consultant.

In 1991, Richard Proulx founded the Cathedral Singers as an independent recording ensemble. The group has sung a number of live concerts in the Midwest and has produced over 20 recordings of a great variety of choral music.

In the field of commercial music, Proulx composed the 1971 theme song for Union Pacific Railroad, as well as an orchestral score for a documentary film, The Golden Door. Two arrangements sung by the Cathedral Singers were featured in an episode of ER on NBC, and the singers are heard in a New Earth video, Mount Shasta: Meeting of Heaven and Earth. Proulx’s organ setting of Veni Creator is heard in the 1997 movie, The Devil’s Own.

A native of St. Paul, Minn., Proulx began piano studies at age six and benefited from the unique musical training then fostered in that city’s parochial schools, where twice daily solfège and choral singing were emphasized. He attended MacPhail College and the University of Minnesota, with further studies undertaken at the American Boychoir School at Princeton, St. John’s Abbey–Collegeville, and the Royal School of Church Music in England.

Proulx’s organ studies were with Ruth Dindorf, Arthur Jennings, Rupert Sircom, Gerald Bales, and Peter Hallock. Training in choral conducting was provided by Bruce Larsen, Donald Brost, and Peter Hallock, along with extensive seminars with Donald Bryant, Robert Shaw, and Roger Wagner. He studied composition with Leopold Bruenner, Theodore Ganshaw, Bruce Larsen, and Gerald Bales.

From 1980 to 1994, Richard Proulx was organist–music director at the Cathedral of the Holy Name in Chicago. He strengthened the cathedral’s outreach to the city it serves by establishing an extensive and innovative music program. His broad-based liturgical music program quickly became a model for cathedrals across the country. The concert series, "Music for a Great Space," involved the cathedral choirs with many of the finest instrumentalists in the Chicago area. The choirs toured the Midwest in 1982 and 1991, and Europe in 1988. Proulx was also responsible for the planning and installation of two new mechanical-action organs for the cathedral: Casavant II/19 (Quebec, 1981) and Flentrop IV/71 (Holland, 1989).

Before coming to Chicago, Proulx served for ten years (1970–1980) at St. Thomas Church, Medina/Seattle, where he directed three choirs and a chamber orchestra, established a tradition of liturgical handbell ringing, and was organist at Temple de Hirsch Sinai. Previous positions included St. Charles Parish, Tacoma; St. Stephen’s Church, Seattle; and 15 years (1953–1968) at the Church of the Holy Childhood in St. Paul.

Richard Proulx has received a number of prestigious awards. He received a commission for a new opera from the National Endowment for the Arts in 1989 ; the same year he was presented the Gold Medal of the Archdiocese of Chicago by Joseph Cardinal Bernardin. In 1994, he received an honorary doctorate from General Theological Seminary in New York City and also the BENE award from Modern Liturgy Magazine as "the most significant liturgical composer of the last 20 years." He also was named the 1995 Pastoral Musician of the Year by the National Association of Pastoral Musicians. In 1998, Richard Proulx received the Pax Christi Award from St. John’s University in College, Minn.

A rare combination of talents as composer, conductor, music editor, and organist, together with wide experience across denominational lines, has given Richard Proulx a unique perspective of both the opportunities and the challenges found in liturgical music making in our time; he remains committed to the enriching and balancing role of the arts in people of all ages.


Richard Proulx, may the Choir of Angels lead you into paradise; may the martyrs greet you at your arrival and lead you into the holy city, Jerusalem. Rest in peace.

Thursday, October 29, 2009

RIP, Paul Manz (1919-2009)

I received the news last night that the composer who brought us such wonderful pieces as E'en So, Lord Jesus, Quickly Come and Aria passed away last night, surrounded by loved ones.

From Michael Barrone: “His son John reported that, with the family gathered round the bedside, they had put on a recording of the marvelous choral piece that Paul and
Ruth had created, and when the text came round again to “E’en so, Lord Jesus, quickly come”, Paul breathed his last.”

For a wonderful tribute to this great composer and church musician, go to the Pipedreams website for the show that aired April 2, 2001. Click here to listen.

RIP, Dr Manz. May your music live on forever.

Saturday, August 1, 2009

RIP, Cory Aquino (1933-2009)

Former President Cory Aquino passed away after a valiant battle against colon cancer. The world lost an icon to democracy, and the Philippines lost a role model and a beloved figure in her history.

GMANews.tv had interviewed her last year September in one of her last full-length interviews. You should have a look at it. She spoke in both English and Tagalog in the interview. There is also a nice "behind the scenes" section below the embedded video by those who had the chance to speak with her then. Click the photo below to access the page.



Her family has a website where you can leave your notes of condolences. If you click on the yellow ribbon, you will be taken to that page.

Lastly—the Filipino community in the Triangle (NC) area are planning a Mass of Remembrance for Tita Cory for next Saturday, August 8. The time and place are being negotiated, but we are hoping it will be at Immaculate Conception Church in the early afternoon. Watch this space as details become available.

Requiem aeternam dona ei, Domine, et lux perpetua luceat ei. Requiescat in pace. Amen.

Sunday, July 26, 2009

Veronica Lees Keogh (1918-2009)

Please pray for the repose of the soul of Veronica Keogh. She passed away on July 2, 2009 at the age of 91. I met Veronica at a Bible Study organised by friends. She was a long-time parishioner at Immaculate Conception Church before she moved to New Jersey several years ago.

Requiem aeternam dona ei, Domine, et lux perpetua luceat ei. Requiescat in pace. Amen.

Saturday, January 24, 2009

Mass of the Resurrection for Jon Michael Bernardo (1982-2009)

This morning, I sang at the Funeral Mass for Miko Bernardo. This was particularly sad. I didn't know Miko, but I had an acquaintance with his uncles and aunts, the Gadrinabs and the Estradas. Miko was only 26 years old. He was a third-year medical student at Virginia College of Osteopathic Medicine, and was in the Dominican Republic for a clinical rotation when he was involved in a car accident. I felt badly for his mum and his family because Miko's father, who was also a doctor, had died from I believe a brain tumour a few years ago, and now his son, who wanted to follow in his footsteps, had his chance taken from him too soon.

I will list the music from Miko's funeral Mass here, and then I'll write my thoughts on Filipino funeral traditions in another blog post. Any numbers you see come out of GIA's Gather Comprehensive 1994 (green cover).

Prelude: Hindi kita malilimutan ("I will never forget you"; M. V. Francisco)
Opening Hymn: 524, Holy God we praise Thy name (GROSSER GOTT)
Psalm: 31, Psalm 23 Paraphrase, Shepherd Me, O God (M. Haugen)
Gospel Acclamation: 258, Celtic Alleluia (F. O'Carroll/C. Walker)
Offertory: 649, You are mine (D. Haas)
Sanctus, Mem. Accl., Amen, Agnus Dei: 166-171, Mass of Creation (M. Haugen)
Communion Hymn: 828, I am the bread of life (S. Toolan)
Communion Meditations:Final Commendation: 862, Saints of God (S. Janco)
Closing Hymn: 528, Joyful, joyful, we adore you (HYMN TO JOY)

Members from the NC Filipino Choir joined with IC's Resurrection Choir to sing for this Mass.

Friday, August 1, 2008

Respect

A friend and I drove to Rocky Mount, NC to attend the funeral of a mutual friend's father. (It was for him that I asked for prayers Monday; he passed away early morning July 30.) At the memorial service, there were tears and remembrances; he was much-beloved by family and friends. He was also a U.S. Army veteran who served during the Korean War, hence the U.S. flag that was draped over his coffin.

What really struck me, however, was the utter respect the residents of Rocky Mount have for each other. I was part of the funeral procession as we made our way slowly to the cemetery. All traffic stopped to let us pass through: on the major roads, all the cars had stopped; on the smaller roads, all the cars had pulled over to the side of the road and no one moved until the procession drove by. The one exception: the one SUV which had Virginia licence plates.

To be honest, I don't remember seeing anything like that before. Yes, I've seen funeral processions wind through town, but I've never seen traffic going the opposite way stop in the way I saw it in Rocky Mount. I thought it was a nice gesture, and told me of the respect those residents had for others.

Another thing ... well, unrelated, perhaps ... my friend was telling me about some YouTube videos of a mutual friend of ours who recently completed his Bachelor's degree from UNC Chapel Hill, and so I went there, searching for said videos. He was part of a wonderful male a cappella group called the UNC Clef Hangers, and whilst composing this post, I had their YouTube videos playing in the background. One of their pieces struck me as appropriate, given this post. The lads sung this piece at an impromptu prayer vigil on campus the evening the UNC community learnt of Student Body President Eve Carson's murder. I am embedding that video here as a tribute to those we've lost. I'm also thinking of Kent Otto, who was the long-time organist at St. Philip's Episcopal Church in Durham, Dr. Billy Martin, who was a professor at the Medical College of Virginia, Dr. Fenner Douglass, who was an organist and professor at Duke University, Dr. J. Michael Walker, who was a professor at Indiana University, amongst others ...

Requiem æternam dona eis, Domine; et lux perpetua luceat eis.



UNC Clef Hangers performing Josh Groban/Dave Matthews "Lullabye" with soloist Ryan White, at their 2008 Spring Concert in Chapel Hill.

Sunday, June 22, 2008

RIP, Kent Otto

I just found out this morning that Kent Otto, long-time organist and choirmaster at St. Philip's Episcopal Church in Durham, NC, passed away yesterday after a long bout with cancer. My prayers go to Kent's family, his partner Bill, and his children. Kent, may you rest in peace.

Monday, June 9, 2008

RIP, Billy Martin

The Pharmacology world just lost a giant in the field. Dr. Billy Martin, chair of the Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine’s Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, and internationally renowned for his research in understanding addiction and drugs of abuse and how they affect the brain, died Sunday in Richmond. He was 65.

I'll have to admit that my heart felt like it dropped to my feet when I received the email that had Billy's name in the subject line. I felt really sad. I did remember that Billy had some health issues in recent years, but despite that, this news came as a shock to me. Billy was supposed to have received an award at the upcoming College on Problems of Drug Dependence (CPDD) conference. He always went to every ICRS meeting, no matter where it was in the world, and even though I'm really more on the periphery of the ICRS now, having dropped from the world of active research, I cannot imagine an ICRS meeting without Billy.

I first met him in 2000, at my first ICRS meeting in Baltimore. My advisor at the time, Brian Thomas, introduced us by stating that Billy was my academic grandfather (Billy was Brian's thesis advisor when Brian was a Ph.D. student in Pharmacology at VCU.) He was really nice, and was always very encouraging to young researchers like me. The last time I saw him was at a local Cannabinoid meeting at UNC-Greensboro. At the time, I was considering trying to write an application for a K01, but was expressing my doubts and reservations. Billy took me aside and strongly encouraged me to at least give it a go, and gave me lots of advice as to how I should go about doing it.

I will admit - I never did follow through, and now I'm out of that scene altogether. But I will never forget Billy's kindness and his patience. He will definitely be missed.

Rest in peace, Billy.

* In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Massey Cancer Center, P.O. Box 980037, Richmond, VA 23298-0037 or to The Foundation of Pharmacology, P.O. Box 980613, MCV Station, Richmond, VA 23298.

Monday, April 7, 2008

6 April - Third Sunday of Easter and RIP, Fenner Douglass

I found out last night that Fenner Douglass, distinguished professor of organ at Oberlin and Duke and author of books on Cavaille-Coll and also French Classical organ music, passed away. I remember he was in his 90s. At the time his wife, Jane, passed away, Van Quinn had read the choir a letter, written by Fenner, thanking us for our thoughtfulness and generosity exhibited to him. I heard many many stories about him. Both Flentrops at Duke Chapel and at St. Stephen's Episcopal Church benefitted from Fenner's influence and knowledge. I realised that a giant in the organ world has passed on, and as Keith Toth of The Brick Church in NYC put it: "Fenner now joins his beloved wife Jane in that celestial choir. May he rest from his labours."

As usual ... my music lists for Sunday services.

This time, I was the one behind the console at Immaculate Conception (RC) Church's 7.45 am Sunday Mass while my friend Jane spent the week in retreat in Massachusetts.

As usual, the numbers come out of GIA's Gather Comprehensive 1994 (green cover):

Gloria: 176 (Andrews)
Gospel Acclamation: 263 (Hughes Alleluia in C)
Sanctus, Mem. Accl., Amen, Agnus Dei: Community Mass (Proulx)

Prelude: I Know that My Redeemer Lives (Richard Wienhorst)
Pro: 430, I Know that My Redeemer Lives (DUKE STREET)
Psalm: 24, Psalm 16 - You Will Show Me the Path of Life (Haugen)
Off: 434, This Joyful Eastertide (VRUECHTEN)
Comm: 443, Alleluia, Alleluia, Give Thanks (ALLELUIA NO. 1)
Re: 442, Sing with All the Saints in Glory (HYMN TO JOY)
Postlude: Hymn to Joy (Wilbur Held)

Sigh ... I didn't get a chance to practice on IC's Zimmer, so I had to make do with a brief 15-minute session before Mass. Much to my alarm, the pedal board seemed much narrower than what I was used to (!!!) so needless to say, I kept on missing notes! It was painfully apparent when I tried to play the Offertory Hymn. Boy did I really mess that one up. Thank goodness for options - I ended up playing the accompaniment out of Hymnal 1982 for the second verse on the Swell, manuals only. The cantor was not at the microphone, and despite my stupid errors on this hymn, the people still sang, although I did notice a couple of people sitting near me looked back at me, questioningly, as if they were surprised that an organist would be making that many mistakes during the Mass!!!


St. Joseph's Episcopal Church - numbers are out of The Hymnal 1982.

The Third Sunday of Easter: Holy Eucharist: Rite II

Prelude: Now the Green Blades Rises (Paul Manz)
Pro: 296, We know that Christ is raised and dies no more (ENGELBERG)
Gloria: S-280 (Powell)
Psalm: Ps 116 (Guimont. I set the verses from the BCP to Guimont's indicated Psalm tone.)
Seq: 306, Come, risen Lord, and deign to be our guest (SURSUM CORDA)
Off: 204, Now the green blade riseth (NOEL NOUVELET)
Sanctus: S-125, Community Mass (Proulx)
Lord's Prayer: chanted (S-119 in Hymnal 1982)
Fraction Anthem: S-154, New Plainsong (Hurd)
Comm: Gather Comprehensive 798, Baptised in Water (BUNESSAN)
Re: 180, He is risen (UNSER HERRSCHER)
Postlude: Psalm XIX - The Heavens Declare the Glory of God (Benedetto Marcello)

*shrug* I have a small, but merry band of volunteers which includes a bass guitarist, a guitarist, and a flautist. They have this "St. Joseph's Hymnbook," which includes some of the schlockiest things I've ever seen (and most of which I have no clue how they go as I've never seen nor heard of them before). However, considering this group does that type of music best, I might as well take advantage of that. And they really do this type of music well, even if I am the weakest link as far as this type of music is concerned.


Episcopal Centre at Duke University

The Third Sunday of Easter: Holy Eucharist: Rite II

Prelude: Now the Green Blades Rises (Paul Manz), adapted to accommodate the 1-manual, 3-rank Holtkamp.
Pro: 296, We know that Christ is raised and dies no more (ENGELBERG)
Gloria: S-280 (Powell)
Psalm: Ps 116, recited
Seq: 306, Come, risen Lord, and deign to be our guest (SURSUM CORDA)
Off: 204, Now the green blade riseth (NOEL NOUVELET)
Sanctus: S-125, Community Mass (Proulx)
Communion Hymn: 343, Shepherd of Souls, refresh and bless (ST. AGNES)
Re: 180, He is risen (UNSER HERRSCHER)

Compline at Chapel of the Cross.

We've been using the Order for Compline, as set by David Hurd. Our little additions:

Let my prayer come up into Thy presence (Henry Purcell; sung as introit)
Hymn 33, Christ, mighty Savior (CHRISTE, LUX MUNDI, Mode 7)
In manus tuas (Sheppard; sung in addition to "Into your hands, O Lord, I commend my spirit ...)
S-32, Concluding Versicle and Response in Easter Season ("Let us bless the Lord, alleluia, alleluia ...")
Regina Coeli (Marian antiphon right after the Dismissal)
Ave Maria ... virgo serena (des Prez)
Organ Voluntary by the abfab David Arcus. His offering was dedicated to the late Fenner Douglass.

Wednesday, March 19, 2008

Eve Carson Memorial Service

What can I say? It was a moving service. There were reflections, starting with Chancellor James Moeser, and ending with that of her friends, and words from her Father (although I didn't stay to hear them as I had to leave early to make a class at Campbell's RTP Campus). The memories were poignant, funny ... but it all gave a snippet of what Eve was like, and how much she affected her friends, her colleagues ... but also, a community, a university, and the world. A story was told about how she even touched a visitor from Afghanistan ... a visiting professor, I believe ... and that said professor had conveyed his condolences upon hearing of Eve's passing. There weren't many dry eyes as the memories and reflections were being given, especially those given by her close friends and roommates.

There was also music in addition: the UNC Gospel Choir gave a very moving performance of Amazing Grace, and the UNC Band ended the service by playing the Alma Mater (Hark the Sound), which again, I didn't get a chance to hear as I left early.

Eve Carson was truly a remarkable young woman, and it is such a tragedy that her life got cut too short, and that she was taken away from us so soon.

Her memory will go on: UNC established the Eve Marie Carson Memorial Fund in order to celebrate and remember Eve's love for the University and its students. Giving is easy: go to http://giving.unc.edu/gift, choose one of the giving options, select "Eve Marie Carson Memorial Fund" under University Fund.

Rest in peace, Eve.

(Note: follow this link to view videos of the service, as well as audio from the celebration. I'm glad the University posted these - it was wonderful being there and experiencing it all; now it's preserved for all to see.)

Thursday, March 6, 2008

Numb


I can't believe this. This hits way too close to home.

From The Daily Tar Heel:

Student Body President found dead

Student Body President Eve Carson was shot and killed early Wednesday morning, Chapel Hill police confirmed. Police said they are looking for Carson's vehicle - a blue 2005 Toyota Highlander - which was stolen in the incident. The license plate is AIV 6690, registered in Georgia. There are no suspects at this time. Police said they believe the shooting to be a random act at this point in the investigation.

This was way senseless, and a bright young life was cut down. She was only 22 years old and would have graduated in a couple month's time.

Here is the text of the email sent from the office of Chancellor James Moeser:
Dear Carolina Students, Faculty and Staff,

I am so sorry to tell you that Chapel Hill Police have identified the victim of this week’s shooting as Eve Carson, our student body president, trustee, wonderful person and great friend. We are deeply saddened and numb with grief.

I would like for us all to gather this afternoon on Polk Place at 3 p.m. to remember Eve and to grieve together. We will plan a full memorial service at a later time. For now, it is important that we pause, contemplate our loss and give each other support.

We encourage students, faculty or staff who feel they need assistance to contact the Office of the Dean of Students (966-4042) or Counseling and Wellness Services (966-3658). Counselors will be available at the Upendo Lounge at the Student Academic Services Building and Room 2518 A/B in the new addition at the Carolina Union until 11 p.m. this evening (Thursday, March 6, 2008). Resident advisors in campus housing and Granville Towers are also available to be of assistance and support.

I know how difficult it will be to begin to comprehend something so tragic. Please, as you gather your thoughts and prayers, think of Eve’s parents, family and friends.

I hope you will join us this afternoon on Polk Place.

Sincerely,

James Moeser

So sad. So senseless. I only hope her friends and family can find comfort.

Requiem æternam dona ei, Domine;
Et lux perpetua luceat ei.
Requiescat in pace, Eve Carson.

Tuesday, January 8, 2008

In Memoriam: J. Michael Walker (1951 - 2008)


I just received this email from the ICRS, authored by Heather Bradshaw, Susan Huang, and Ken Mackie.

Dear Colleagues,

It is with great sadness that we inform you of the death of J Michael Walker [Saturday, January 5] of heart failure.

Michael was the Linda and Jack Gill Chair of Neuroscience and Professor of Psychology at Indiana University. To all of us who knew him, Michael was an inspiration and a cherished colleague. Trained as a psychologist, he adroitly incorporated behavior, anatomy, electrophysiology, molecular biology, and mass spectrometry into an outstanding body of scholarship. Beyond his scientific contributions, Michael also had a deep and genuine interest in teaching and mentoring. Above all, he was a warm and generous human being. He will be dearly missed, but his legacy will live on—both in his creative endeavors as well as through his many accomplished students. Michael was an ICRS past President, was a distinguished researcher, mentor to many, created the endowed Kang Tsou lecture series and was always willing to help the Society. He made great contributions to the Society, often quietly. The ICRS will present a memorial to his life at the 2008 meeting.

Please visit Michael’s website at: http://www.indiana.edu/%7Ejmwlab/

If you would like to offer condolences to the family, please make contributions to the Kang Tsou Memorial Fund (a non-profit foundation founded by Michael, dedicated to neuropharmacology and education), c/o Misty Theodore, Indiana University, Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, 1101 E 10th St, Bloomington, IN 47405, USA


Heather Bradshaw, Susan Huang, Ken Mackie and ICRS


He was taken from us too soon as he was only 57 years old. More may be read here. Resquiat in pace, Dr. Walker. It was an honour having met you.