MUSIC IN THE CHURCH

Music has always been a very important word in the minds and hearts of the people in the Monthalia United Methodist Church. The earliest records show that the members used their voices to the glory of God by singing the much-loved hymns in the German language. Also, solos, duets, quartets, and choirs were heard in children, youth, and adult meetings in the early days.

Voices of the people were not all that was heard. In the very earliest days of the life of the church, the old pump organ was used both in the homes and in religious services to accompany the singing. There were no radios or televisions, so the family gathered around the organ after the day's work was completed and sang songs. In some of the older records of the church, mention was made that the first musical instrument, a pump organ, was purchased sometime during the 1890's and that Hulda Muenzler (later Mrs. R.H. Henkel) was the first organist.

Later in the records of the church, the story is told that the "Jugend Bund" (Epworth League), with the help from people interested in the music of the church bought a Williams Concert Piano costing $382.50 in 1924. Both the piano and pump organ were used to accompany the songs at that time.

In 1947, the pump organ was replaced by the melodious sounds of a Wicks Pipe Organ. This report is taken from a Monthalia Methodist Church Bulletin of June 16, 1946, when L.S. Dubberly was the pastor. Following is the ORGAN NEWS article which appeared in the bulletin:

On Tuesday evening of last week the pastor held a Church Conference for the purpose of hearing the report of the Organ Committee appointed by the Second Quarterly Conference. As evidenced by the report given by the committee, a thorough investigation of the different types of organs was made. After careful consideration, the committee recommended a pipe organ of 353 pipes, made by the Wicks Organ Company that will cost $3,876.00. This includes the organ, the grill, transportation, and installation.

After thorough discussion that included questions about the organ, proposed contract, and changes in the church necessary to install this type of instrument, the conference voted in favor of accepting the recommendation of the committee.

The purchase of this type of organ is a big undertaking for our church. However, the splendid spirit of cooperation and labor of the membership in raising the fund so far gives evidence that everyone will give his wholehearted support in raising the remainder of the necessary amount. The trustees have a plan whereby all members will have an opportunity in sharing in the purchase of this organ.

On July 27, 1947, the pipe organ was dedicated to the service of God by District Superintendent Wood Patrick, with a large attendance for the ceremony. Since that time, the organ has been used for church services each Sunday, and for special occasions such as Easter, Christmas, and revival meetings both the organ and piano are used together.

In the late 40's and 50's, maintenance of the pipe organ was taken care of every six months, but when this was no longer available, the organ was serviced as needed. In 1985, a contract was made with the Wicks Organ Company to service the instrument every six months. To replace this organ with a similar one at today's prices, the cost would be in excess of $35,000.00.

In May of 1965, a Sohmer Studio piano was purchased to replace the Williams piano, which in turn was moved into the parish hall for future use. In November of 1983, a Baldwin piano was purchased with money from the memorial fund for use in the parish hall, thus retiring the Williams piano that was purchased 60 years earlier.

All these musical intruments would have been of little value in the worship of our Lord, if there had been no one to play beautiful music on them. The names of people that follow, all played the piano and a number of them played the piano and organ: Huida Muenzler Henkel, Emma Froehner Muenzler, Amanda Froehner Stulken, Rudolf Henkel, Erna Raeke Froehner, Walter Raeke, Selma Hoting Schultz, Bertha Tolle Deschner, Margaret Siepmann Froehner, Annie Weichmann Hornung, Luella Froehner Gandre, Estelie Kattner Froehner, Lorene Froehner Windle, Ruth Philippus Foerster, Melene Lindemann Dedear, Shirley Froehner Rhoades, Ina Gay Lindemann Orum, Darlene Rossow Lowman, Mary Blanche Philippus, Gladys Hausler Lindemann, Virginia Muenzler Zieschang, Cynthia Schauer MacAllister, Lois Rutledge Willmann, Sandra Soefje Gandre, Patricia Raeke, and Lu Ann Lindemann Fuliiiove. Many of these musicians remained in the community and gave of their time and talent to the church and to the Lord, but some who went elsewhere, are still working in other churches. Also, some who played the piano in smaller group meetings are not mentioned in the above list, but they helped out when given the opportunity to do so when the elected pianists were absent.

At various times in the last 100 years there have been persons who played musical instruments other than the organ and piano. They may have played in a group band or school band or orchestra and at times a number of them would practice several religious numbers for performance at the church for special programs. This special talent was always much appreciated and accepted by the audience.

The piano or organ in the sanctuary was used many times for weddings and funerals, and as always the music played a prominent part in these special occasions.

One cannot conclude this story of the music of our church without saying something about all those who have used their talents of good voices in the Mixed Choir and the Men's Chorus, as well as the many solos, duets, and quartets that added much to the various programs rendered in the hundred years of the life of our church. There is no way one could list all the names, but a vote of appreciation is due that large group.

The children in the nursery and beginner's Sunday School classes always brought great joy to audiences at the annual Christmas programs and other special occasions. Maybe their renditions were not always in tune or sometimes a little off-key, but who noticed. The look of joy on their faces and their outpouring of happiness overshadowed all else when they sang.

If any names have been omitted in this brief resume of the music of the Monthalia Church, it was done unintentionally, and the talents that people had were used to the glory of God and for the uplifting of those present to hear the music, whether by instrument or voice.

ORGANISTS

Lois Willmann, Luella Gandre, Estelle Froehner