Praise God In His Sanctuary (Psalm 150:1)
For the first months in the store and chapel a portable field organ, played by Alma Kern, accompanied the congregational singing. It was replaced by an organ given to us by Redeemer Lutheran Church, Old Westbury. Our present organ was dedicated in March 1, 1959.
Rosemary Redlich of Calvary volunteered to be our organist and choir director. The initial meeting of the choir was on April 19, 1951. During Mrs. Redlich's several years of service Calvary's tradition of a fine choir was established. It has been maintained ever since. Calvary has had about a dozen organists. Louise Willemann has been a willing substitute through the years.
Walter Wurthmann served as our organist and choir director for the longest period. He ended his 23 years of service in September 1984. Walter had a good rapport with the choir members. The choir during his time held a number of parties and even a weekend retreat in upstate Florida, N.Y.
William W. Williams, our current organist and choir director, came to Calvary in January 1998. Bill, a professional musician, is dedicated and loved by the choir. He assisted Pastor Therwanger in the conduct of the services and leads the choir in prayer at each rehearsal.
At various times Calvary has had youth and children's choirs, a folk and contemporary group, and a quartet that sang during the summer. Senior choirs have presented concerts at Calvary and have sung at St. Mark's, Brooklyn, Wartburg Home for the Aging and at our joint Nassau County Ascension services. For about six years in the '70s and '80s the Calvary Clefs (brass and woodwinds) under the direction of Irving Monthie enhanced our church services. Many remember their spirited playing in front of the church at Christmas and Easter.