Lee Nelson
In 1971, I was appointed organist at First Presbyterian Church of Deerfield, and shortly after, got a call from Morgan Simmons, Dean of the North Shore Chapter of the American Guild of Organists. I was familiar with AGO, (I was president of our chapter while a student at Moody Bible Institute), but I was unaware of the broader scope of the local chapters on the national level. Dr. Simmons asked me if I would like to come onto the board as Treasurer of the chapter.
Thus began a long and satisfying relationship with our chapter. After two terms as treasurer, (we had just hosted a regional convention), I was elected as Sub Dean, and, following that term, became Dean. This “Deanship” lasted for three terms, the third term mainly because we were hosting another regional, and the board wanted the continuity of leadership. I remember our motto “…..Follow the North Shore” with an outline of the Chicago skyline on all of our material. I also remember that we brought 140+ people from our region with the closing concert at Fourth Presbyterian Church, and dinner on top of the Hancock, 95th floor restaurant.
Since then, I have served as a board member several times, participated in recitals and workshops, and enjoyed the long and lasting friendships of fellow colleagues. I have attended many national and regional conventions, most memorable the 1976 convention in Boston. E. Power Biggs played the organ at the Boston Pops, and we all sang the “Hallelujah Chorus” with him and the Boston Pops accompanying us. Anna Russell and the King Singers were featured at the closing banquet. That was one gala week! In 1998, our chapter celebrated its 40th anniversary, and 15 past deans of the NSAGO attended.
It seems like in past years, there were fewer competing events, and AGO meetings were very well attended. The past several years I have noticed that it’s harder to commit to attending AGO events, but AGO programs are still as inspirational and educational as ever. And we as a board are doing everything in our power to keep programming interesting and attractive. Being a member of the North Shore Chapter is a privilege and membership comes with more than just a magazine. Our chapter programs are for our ALL of our members to educate, uplift, and provide rich fellowship with other church musicians. I encourage all of us to continue to support a worthy cause for a worthy vocation.
LEE NELSON, Board Member