Presbyterianism in Summerside 1853—2003

Walker a proper “B” tuning fork / \ CHOIR MEMBERS

in Charlottetown. Upon Mr. Walk- 2003 er’s retirement form his music ca- J) reer the tuning fork ended up in the aural practice of a local town 5“?” Cameron Ed1th Carruthers dOCtO r. Dianne Clark The Summerside Presbyte— BarbaraHagerman rian Church Choir has played a key Hegfigxfigfim role in church worship and pro- MarilynMaltin grams since the dedication of the Siarollgfmfomery . . aron on gomery church In 1865. Summersrde ElayneMomson Presbyterian Church has contin- SuePerry

ued to be blessed with an active KatherineSChaefer and dedicated choir membership L—J over the years. In 1989 five long—time members were honoured for their service with flowers and certificates: Georgie Ronahan, Hazel Paynter, Thyra Bingham, Marjorie Gaudet, and Jean Wood. They had a total of over 300 years of choir service.

From 1891 to 1952 Church organists usually also acted as Choir Directors. It was not until 1953 that James Peach officially assumed the title of Organist and Choir Director. Barbara Hagerman has been Or— ganist and Choir Director since 1997 (See Appendi- ces).

In 1903, during Rev. Mr. Smith’s ministry, the con— gregation decided to purchase a pipe organ to replace the original organ installed in the church in 1891. Prob- lems developed with the manufacturer, and some fi— nancing issues arose, both of which delayed the acqui- sition. In 1906 a two manual pipe organ was installed, having been purchased from Cassavant Freres through the generosity of N. Bruce MacKelvie of New York. Mr.

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