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James K. Wilson named organist/choirmaster at Christ Church Reading

After twelve years of very fruitful ministry as the Choir Director/Assistant Organist, working side by side with Organist Bruce Bengtson, James K. Wilson has accepted the rector’s call for him to serve as the Organist/Choirmaster of the Christ Church music ministry in Reading.

Jim earned a Master of Music with Distinction in Sacred Music from Westminster Choir College, Princeton, N.J. From West Chester University, Jim earned Master of Music and Bachelor of Science degrees in Music Education. Prior to coming to Christ Church as Choir Director/Assistant Organist in 1999, Jim served as Organist at Trinity Presbyterian Church, Berwyn, Pa from 1987-1994. From 1992-2003, Jim was a director of Berks Classical Children’s Chorus.

Since 1981, Jim has maintained his full-time career position as the Vocal/Choral Music Teacher at Schuylkill Elementary School in Phoenixville, PA. Juggling both positions was an important consideration in discussions conducted by Jim and the rector, along with Bruce Bengtson. All three ministers felt the situation was a good fit and that the congregation of Christ Church would be very supportive of the talented music minister they have appreciated, loved, and respected over the past years.

Christ Church Reading celebrates 40th anniversary of Organist Bruce Bengtson’s ministry upon his retirement

[By John Francis]

On Sunday, July 31, Assistant Bishop Jack Croneberger led the Holy Eucharist and festive celebration of Bruce Bengtson’s 40th anniversary as organist of Christ Church, Reading, upon the day of his retirement. Retired rector Walter Krieger joined current rector John Francis and assistant rector Doug Moyer in thanking Bruce and Ruth Anne Bengtson for their incredible talent, hard work, and joyful dedication to the mission and ministry of Christ Church. His son Keith represented Charles Sutton, Father Krieger’s predecessor. Bruce served under all three rectors during his tenure.
 
The service was filled with beautiful hymns, which included Glorious things of thee are spoken, Austria, and Guide me, O thou great Jehovah, Cwm Rhondda, one of the first Bruce had ever played, and an anthem based on Psalm 150 by Cesar Franck. The service began with a congregational favorite prelude played by Bruce, Prelude on Brother James` Air by Searle Wright, who was one of Bruce Bengtson’s professors at Union, and ended with a postlude favorite of the congregation played by Bruce, as only he could do, the Toccata from Organ Symphony V. Father Francis’ sermon reviewed the incredible blessing Bruce’s extensive and very generous ministry has been for Christ Church and for him personally and how much he will be missed. Bruce and Ruth Anne are looking forward to a well-earned and very enjoyable retirement together.          
 
Following the service, the parish put on a delicious hors d’oeuvre reception in the parish hall for the entire congregation. Then, parish members and friends of Bruce and Ruth Anne attended a lavish by invitation luncheon at the Abraham Lincoln Hotel in Reading. Speakers included James Wilson, the newly appointed organist and choirmaster of Christ Church, choir member and soprano soloist extraordinaire Runette Gabrielle, Bishop Jack, a colleague and fellow class member of Bruce and Ruth Anne at Union Theological Seminary, where the Bengtson’s first met, Dr. Francis Williamson, who taught at Albright College, and the Bengtson’s children Matt Bengtson and Sallie Mercer. Ruth Anne had put together a wonderful photographic presentation of Bruce’s career, which was presented on power point. The Christ Church Choir, led by Jim Wilson, offered a joyful rendition of, “We are the very Model of Today’s Episcopalian.”

Douglassville seeks part-time organist/choirmaster

[From Sally Heist. Respond directly to her at the address below.]

St. Gabriel's Episcopal Church in Douglassville PA is looking for a part-time Organist/Choirmaster, working on the average of 15 hours per week. This person should be an accomplished organist and choir director, open to various musical styles and settings and committed to enhancing and developing the musical programs at the parish.

Familiarity with the Episcopal liturgy and seasons of the Christian year is a plus. The candidate must be competent in organ playing and choral directing, possess a working knowledge of sacred choral music,ability to work effectively with adults, children/youth (or those who work with them)and ability to be sensitive and responsive to the capabilities, needs and interests of the entire parish family.

In preparation for Services, the Organist/Choirmaster will plan and coordinate service music with the rector,and work with a volunteer choir. Other significant liturgical occasions –– Christmas, Holy Week, Easter, Funerals and Weddings -– will require extra planning and rehearsals. 

The annual salary is commensurate with the abilities and experience of the candidate. The position is available September 10, 2011.

Please send your resume to office@Stgabriels.us.
Office: 610-385-3144

Sally Heist
Parish Administrator