This little church somewhere in the north Georgia countryside has just hired a new pianist.
Me!
A mutual friend recommended me to the pastor, the pastor called me on the telephone, and one day last week I went in for an interview and an audition.
After the whole congregation heard me play on Sunday morning, I was offered the position on Tuesday.
I accepted.
The congregation was formed around 80 years ago, and the church, which seats about 200 people, has a central aisle and two side aisles. Several stained glass windows line both sides of the sanctuary. Behind the pulpit and choir loft is a circular stained glass window based on Heinrich Hoffman’s 1890 painting Christ In Gethsemane, except in more vivid colors.
Here is a sort of wrong-end-of-the-telescope view of the interior:
The original of Hoffman's painting hangs in Riverside Church, New York City. The interior of the Riverside Church looks like this.
When you look through the right end of the telescope, my new place of employment looks exactly like that.
And no, I don’t have delusions of grandeur, but thank you for asking.
Congratulations Robert. I trust that you will give that congregation many years of good service at the keyboard.
ReplyDeleteLikewise! :)
ReplyDeleteCongratulations,Robert. I know how hard it is for traditional churches to find good pianists and it is good to read that the whole congregation took the appointment so seriously, too. May your new ministry be a blessing to others and to you. x
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by and leaving a comment.
ReplyDeleteso they must be paying you much money by the hour
ReplyDeleteWonderful Robert! I wish I could hear you play!
ReplyDeleteThanks, everyone, for your good wishes. (Note to Putz: Is there a question in there somewhere?)
ReplyDeleteWow.. congrats on the new job! How many years did you take lessons?
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on your new job ;-)
ReplyDeleteThat's wonderful! Good piano players at church are a blessing and a luxury. Especially the ones that can play the old hymns the right way! I love the red carpet, it looks so cheery.
ReplyDeleteWonderful! Although I've not had the pleasure of listening to your playing, I feel sure that this congregation is blessed to have been able to engage you to provide their music! Many happy fingerings to you, RWP.
ReplyDeleteThank you, blogging friends, for all the kind words. And Skittles, the answer to your question is "about nine years"....I started when I was seven.
ReplyDelete