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A Look Back at 1991 in the history of Christ Church . . .
New Music Ministry . . . In April, Linda Gagliardi, our Choir Director since 1979, resigned effective June 30, 1991. She had served Christ Church well for twelve years. A reception and gift were given to Linda from the congregation as a small token of appreciation. As a tribute to his mother, Jason played the piano during the morning offertory. David Mann, our interim organist, resigned on May 19 and John Thompson stepped in to fill the void. With these openings in the music program, the Music Committee proceeded with plans to hire a Director of Music, to play the organ and also direct the choir. In June, Peter Stukane of Philadelphia was hired for the position. He had been a director and organist for over twenty years for a number of churches in the Delaware Valley. He had been the harpsichordist at Independence Hall and other historical buildings. A Director of Music was a new position at Christ Church and we agreed to a travel allowance and funds for continuing education, a first for a part-time employee. He officially began in September and was greeted by the congregation at a reception on Rally Day.
A refurbished piano for Steinbright Hall was presented to Christ Church in memory of James G. Painter, by his wife, Ethel, and properly dedicated. The piano was rebuilt by our piano tuner, David Moore, also Ethel’s brother, who agreed to tune it periodically at no charge to the charge.
In the Fall, an anonymous donor gave $10,000 to the church to enhance the music program. This gift was the forerunner to the Choir Support Fund which was officially established in February of 1992 at the recommendation of the Music Committee and the approval of the Consistory. Guest soloists were utilized to supplement the choir; and, in December, three soloists were hired as “section leaders” and added to the church staff. Margaret Corson, Alto; David Corson, Tenor; and Allan Laufer, Baritone, were very talented individuals and made their presence known on a Sunday morning. It was a new era from the days of an all volunteer choir and did take some adjustment from some members of the choir and congregation.
The big music event was the appearance of Larry Ferrari on Sunday, December 22, in the afternoon as he presented a Christmas Concert. This renowned organist and television star from Channel 6 Philadelphia delighted the congregation and community with his talent and personality. He brought his own organ which was set up in the chancel area in front of the choir pews. He joined the congregation at a reception following the concert and was one of the last ones to leave the reception. The event was sponsored by the Cultural Endowment Fund as an outreach to the community and the entire free will offering of $701.00 was donated to Community Interfaith and the Senior Adult Activities Center, both West End support groups.
The Christ Church Story 1972 - 1996 by James E. Foster, Jr.
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