The church was blessed to have Marguerite Webb as organist and choir director for over forty years. An accomplished musician, Mrs. Webb played the Hammond electric organ every Sunday, selected the hymns, and directed anthems for special occasions with unfailing dedication. She supported the purchase of a new organ and was a valued member of the organ committee which signed a purchase agreement on October 28, 1998 for the Martin Ott pipe organ that graces the church today. On Sunday, October 22, 2000, a service of worship was held for the dedication of the organ.
In January, 1999, after serving the church loyally for so many years, Mrs. Webb resigned and was named Organist Emerita. A special service honoring “Miss Marguerite” for her many contributions to the life of the church was held on November 7, 1999. During this same period, interest in having a weekly choral anthem was growing. Keith Turnipseed took on the direction of the choir. Betty Sue Maynard was hired as organist in 1999. In order to develop a repertoire and increase musical proficiency, paid singers from the University of Mississippi joined the ranks of the choir. This proved to be a mission as the singers became friends of the church and devoted participants in worship services.
On November 21,1999, Dr. Larry Edwards, Director of Choral Activities at the University of Memphis and Artistic Director of the Memphis Symphony Chorus, became choir director. Under Larry’s gentle and loving leadership, the choir was challenged to reach a new level of singing each and every week. Working with him was a tremendous learning experience.
Doyle Tubbs became organist and musical director in November 2001. Larry Edwards resigned shortly after that, knowing that the musical program was in good hands. It was decided to discontinue paid voices and rely on our well-trained member choir. The choral music program has thrived under Doyle’s leadership, as he is able to make effective use of a small number of voices and can also utilize every aspect of the pipe organ to enhance worship beautifully. Doyle is an outstanding organist, pianist and vocalist. We are grateful each week for his great talent and generous spirit.
It should be noted that Marguerite Webb was Doyle’s first music teacher, and that the handsome Baldwin Grand piano in the church once belonged to Marguerite and came to us after her death in 2012. Doyle remembers that fine piano. He was only allowed to play on it at recital time!!!
The Hammond organ was given to Moorhead Church of God on October 15, 2000.
In January, 1999, after serving the church loyally for so many years, Mrs. Webb resigned and was named Organist Emerita. A special service honoring “Miss Marguerite” for her many contributions to the life of the church was held on November 7, 1999. During this same period, interest in having a weekly choral anthem was growing. Keith Turnipseed took on the direction of the choir. Betty Sue Maynard was hired as organist in 1999. In order to develop a repertoire and increase musical proficiency, paid singers from the University of Mississippi joined the ranks of the choir. This proved to be a mission as the singers became friends of the church and devoted participants in worship services.
On November 21,1999, Dr. Larry Edwards, Director of Choral Activities at the University of Memphis and Artistic Director of the Memphis Symphony Chorus, became choir director. Under Larry’s gentle and loving leadership, the choir was challenged to reach a new level of singing each and every week. Working with him was a tremendous learning experience.
Doyle Tubbs became organist and musical director in November 2001. Larry Edwards resigned shortly after that, knowing that the musical program was in good hands. It was decided to discontinue paid voices and rely on our well-trained member choir. The choral music program has thrived under Doyle’s leadership, as he is able to make effective use of a small number of voices and can also utilize every aspect of the pipe organ to enhance worship beautifully. Doyle is an outstanding organist, pianist and vocalist. We are grateful each week for his great talent and generous spirit.
It should be noted that Marguerite Webb was Doyle’s first music teacher, and that the handsome Baldwin Grand piano in the church once belonged to Marguerite and came to us after her death in 2012. Doyle remembers that fine piano. He was only allowed to play on it at recital time!!!
The Hammond organ was given to Moorhead Church of God on October 15, 2000.