Introduction for the Northshore Chapter of the AGO
My name is Chuck Mize, and I’m thrilled to be a new member of the AGO! I’m an ordained minister in the United Church of Christ and served six congregations in five calls for nearly 42 years, concluding as Senior Pastor of Glenview Community Church from which I retired on April 1st. My wife Jeanie and I continue to live in Glenview. We have one adult son who lives in Missouri. In June, I began serving as Interim Pastor and Head of Staff at Southminster Presbyterian Church in Arlington Heights.
I’ve always loved things electrical and mechanical. My interest in the organ began when I was very young with close family friends. The centerpiece of their living room was a Hammond A 100. I was hooked! When I began my ministry, the organ at one of my two congregations was a 3 rank 1923 Wicks that needed help. That help came from James M. McEvers, an organ builder in Makanda Illinois who became a good friend. Through my ministry the organs I’ve known up close and personal include a 6 rank Wicks, a 13 rank Moller, a 40 rank Casavant, and the 69 rank Buzard and 3 rank Wicks at Glenview Community Church. Now I’m getting to know the 30 rank Buzard at Southminster!
I cannot play, but I can spot tune and effect minor repairs. I learned a great deal from Jim McEvers who even provided me with a small supply of parts and pneumatic leather when pouches began to fail in the Moller. But the organ builders I’ve learned the most from are my dear friends Gayle and Kelly Monette. One of my most treasured possessions is a signed copy of Gayle’s book, The Art of Organ Voicing. I look forward to getting to know all of you!