Page 35 - Presbyterian Connection, Spring 2020
P. 35

presbyterian.ca
SPRING 2020
A Gift of Music in Stratford
Earl C. Clark, the organist and choir director at St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church in Stratford, Ont., for the past 60 years. PHOTO CREDIT: JANE MARIE MITCHELL
Earl leading the St. Andrew’s choir. PHOTO CREDIT: AUDREY LITTLE
Silver Jubilee with the Lieutenant Governor of Ontario in attendance. For the Centenary of the city of Strat- ford, a special anthem was commis- sioned and sung by a mass choir from city churches. Earl has over- seen two organ rebuilds in 1971 and again in 2015 when midi-technol- ogy was added, allowing 250 more sounds to the pipes. In July 2019, Earl received a lifetime membership from the National Convention of Or- ganists in Halifax.
In addition to his duties as organ- ist and choir director, Earl earned a teaching degree and served as an itinerant music teacher to area rural schools. He was on the staff of Strat- ford Northwestern and Central Sec- ondary Schools and King Lear Senior Public School. Earl served as Music Consultant for Stratford and Perth County schools for 25 years.
The love and respect the St. An- drew’s congregation shows to their long-time organist and choirmaster encourages Earl to keep practic- ing, exploring and experimenting with new music and techniques. He continues to dedicate himself to his church, choir and his Lord and the Word. Even after 60 years of service, Earl shows no sign of wanting to re- tire from his calling and will continue as his health allows.
   By Pat Million,
St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church in Stratford, Ont.
On Sunday, Jan. 12, 2020, well over 200 people including members of the congregation, family and friends gathered at St. Andrew’s Presbyte- rian Church in Stratford, Ont., to cel- ebrate and honour Organist and Choir Director of 60 years, Earl C. Clark. Mr. Clark received admiration for his many years of playing, along with numerous greetings from the com- munity and beyond. Several of those unable to attend sent memories to be read aloud, which were added to the humorous recollections of those present. Among the greetings was a letter from Her Majesty’s Lady-
in-Waiting following a conversation with the Queen about Earl’s achieve- ments. We took a picture of a happy Earl Clark with this letter framed as a keepsake. Included among the peo- ple there to honour Earl were past students and choir members who got together to sing the morning anthem and part of the “Hallelujah Chorus” in the afternoon. It was quite the show they put on! All wished Earl the best and congratulated him on such a ca- reer goal.
Legend has it that the Organist Search Committee of St. Andrew’s went to Kincardine United Church and “stole” the young organist. Don Wilson, an active member of our congregation, made that journey with others and we thank him for being
part of such a persistent group of people. Thus, Earl began his tenure at St. Andrew’s on Jan. 1, 1960.
Earl’s interest in learning the com- plexities of playing the pipe organ be- gan as a young teen. A neighbouring Anglican organist bartered organ les- sons to pay outstanding bills at the Clark’s grocery store.
Earl continued his piano studies at the University of Western Ontario and his organ lessons as a private student. He also studied at the Royal School of Church Music at Adding- ton Palace in the United Kingdom. Earl has acquired an impressive list of credentials: B.A., A. Mus, Mus G. Paed, and C.R.C.C.O.
Earl’s philosophy while at the pipe organ is a true belief that church mu- sic enhances the Word. When train-
ing choir members, he strives for them to produce the best quality of music. He aims to inspire the choir to do so by choosing music that suits their abilities. The music selected ranges from classical to contempo- rary. Earl chooses the words first and the music second.
From his church studio, Earl has encouraged and inspired countless students in their studies of vocal music, piano and organ. And his pu- pils always excelled in mastering the understanding of theory, history and all other aspects of music. He has skillfully imparted his knowledge and love of music and was always deeply gratified by their successes.
Highlights of Earl’s six decades at St. Andrew’s include the service of celebration of Queen Elizabeth II’s
Ecumenical Prayer: Alive and Well in Markham
Connection
NEWS
PRESBYTERIAN
35
     The Markham Prayer Breakfast with over 600 people in attendance at the Hilton Suites Markham.
not only our political leaders but also for our church and business leaders. The event breaks across denomi- national boundaries and unites a
very large family of Christians from Markham and the surrounding areas. It represents the largest ecumenical gathering in the City of Markham.
By the Rev. Peter Ma, St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church in Markham, Ont.
St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church in Markham, Ont., along with Unionville Presbyterian Church and Thornhill Presbyterian Church, are all strong supporters and sponsors of the Markham Prayer Breakfast.
The 2019 Prayer Breakfast, which took place at the end of November with over 600 people in attendance, has been in operation for over 20 years. It meets annually to pray for
Mayor Frank Scarpitti brings greetings to the Markham Prayer Breakfast.



































































   33   34   35   36   37