Musical celebration to mark pipe organ’s 100th anniversary

A Musical Celebration commemorating the 100th anniversary of St. John United Church of Christ’s 1926 Moller pipe organ will be held Sunday, Feb. 15, at 3 p.m. at the church, 516 N. Wooster Ave., Strasburg.

Jim Tucker, during a church membership class, suggested holding a celebration to mark the organ’s anniversary.

Under the late Rev. R.J. Loew, the pipe organ was presented to the church by Mary Kapitzky and her children in memory of E.P. Kapitzky. The organ was dedicated Feb. 21, 1926. The late Florence Park (nee Kapitzky) played for the dedication and began serving as the church organist.

In 1974, the congregation agreed to have the organ rebuilt and updated. The M.P. Moller Organ Co., which built the original instrument, dismantled the organ, returned it to the factory and rebuilt it. The installation was completed in December 1974. The M.P. Moller Organ Co. is located in Hagerstown, Maryland.

At the celebration, a variety of organ music — from classical selections to fun, lighthearted pieces — will be performed. Organists will include Twila Lampe, the church’s current organist; Rick Michel of Dover; Nancy May Scheurer of Louisville; Deborah Daskalov of Alliance; and Shirley Tharp of Newark.

Elaine Scatizzi and Vickki Hinebaugh will perform two piano duets, and the St. John UCC bell choir will play “Wizards in Winter.” Becky Raymond is the bell choir director.

In addition, the organ’s history will be presented by Deb Burrier of the church history committee.

The concert is free, but donations will be accepted to offset costs. The community is invited. The St. John UCC music and worship committee is hosting the event. Refreshments will be served in the gathering room.