What a wonderful celebration of twenty years of leadership of the music program at First Parish! I opted not to speak on Sunday and simply sit back and absorb the celebration and tributes. And I did just that. However, I must thank all of you from the bottom of my heart for your support, encouragement and thanks.

I wish to thank all who put so much time, creativity and energy into the various presentations: Larry Kalajainen, Mary Baard, Jane Connors, David Widmer and the music committee, Pam Morneau and the all the children of the church school and choirs, Sally Adair and the Parish Ringers, Kathleen Grammer and the Senior Choir, all those who prepared the reception with the food and beautiful flowers, the presentations by John Cunningham and Rick Horton, the many cards and the wonderful statue of a conductor at the keyboard (with music from my own personal library!). All of this organized behind my back! It was a day that I will always remember.

In January 1987 when I first came to First Parish, I had absolutely no idea that I would still be here twenty years later. It has been a great time which has seemingly flown by (although, occasionally, there has been a very long day). I remember access to the choir and organ loft was only from through the narrow and steep stairs through a terribly cold and drafty tower stairwell. The choir loft barely held 30 people and the organ bench backed up into a very high-powered steam heat register (which I had to turn off or risk melting the back of my polyester choir robe). Coal dust which seeped through the choir room floor and walls from the then-unfinished basement of the Vestry would cover music storage boxes and choir robes which were also stored around the perimeter of the choir room. For the first winter David and I lived in Liberty and that year it was a real winter. I was glad for four-wheel drive for the 65-mile drive each way to and from First Parish for me and the 180-mile one-way trip for David to get to work, for he continued to work in Boston for another year. I am especially grateful for his support and patience throughout the past twenty years!

Gradually I got to know the many wonderful folks of First Parish and of Brunswick, and I got to know the ways of Mainers (as well as the many of us who are “from away”). Gradually I was able to shape, mold and direct a program of music which is open to all regardless of age or ability, which teaches not only music but the love and grace of God as expressed in this wonderfully creative art, which challenges participants to excellence and which also values the worth and integrity of each individual.

I was blessed to grow up in a church and a community with fine music. It was not world-class, but it was first-rate and it was a great deal of fun. It shaped my soul. I am glad to be able to pass along my love, joy and experience to those entrusted to my leadership.

Thank you for the honor bestowed on the music program and me by the title of Minister of Music. I am humbled by it. It was first suggested at the Senior Choir retreat in September and then discussed by the Music Committee, Personnel Committee and Church Council. It is a title, which on first mention I wanted to quickly dismiss and not deal with, but upon further reflection, I accept with humility and a sense of renewal.

Thank you to all involved in the planning and conspiring of yesterday’s celebration. It was a great time to acknowledge an important milestone and I look forward to what is yet to come.

Ray Cornils, Minister of Music