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Volume 46, Issue 2
ContactFebruary 2017
North Bethesda
United Methodist Church
February 26th Organ Dedication Day! It’s here! The excitement is growing at North Bethesda UMC as we prepare for the arrival of our
new Allen organ! Jack Enders and the Organ Fundraising Committee have been keeping everyone apprised of the instrument’s progress, and the number of folks
engaged in the Dedication Day preparation continues to grow (see “Opportunities to Volunteer” at the end of this article.)
On Dedication Day, there will be two opportunities to experience and celebrate the blessings of our new organ! First: arrive early for the 10am service! Pastor Jeff will
lead us in the consecration of this magnificent new instrument. Music Director Tony Ashur, with the Chancel Choir and guest singers, will give us the long-awaited first
performance of selections from Bach, Handel, and more. We’ll be on our feet from the first triumphant notes, a glorious means to praise our Lord with this magnificent music!
Next: at 4pm return to the sanctuary for a Dedication Recital featuring the world-renowned master organist, Maestro Hector Olivera, who will perform a range of
musical selections that will demonstrate the versatility of our new instrument.
Following the 4pm concert, there will be a reception featuring light hors d’oeuvres and
beverages in Johnson Hall, allowing concert goers to mingle with our NBUMC family and to chat with Mr. Olivera. We want to fill our sanctuary morning and afternoon with our
own church family, as well as friends, family, colleagues, and neighbors. This special opportunity lets us reach out to the wider community, to invite them to share in a
musical event and experience the warmth, love, and generosity of NBUMC.
Publicity: Invite everyone you know! Do you have access to a neighborhood listserv,
or is there a club or committee you belong to? Here’s a simple email everyone can copy and send to their colleagues, friends, and relatives:
Page 2 February 2017 Contact
Volunteering
And if you’d like to volunteer to help out with Dedication Day: Advertising & Promotion: Dayna Fellows, [email protected]
Recital Program: Janet Replogle, [email protected] Johnson Hall Reception: Mary Lou Griffin, [email protected]
Ushering at the 4pm Recital: Jesse Jennings, [email protected] NBUMC Hospitality: Rose Aehle, [email protected]
Join the choir! Tony Ashur: [email protected]
Maestro Hector Olivera is a passionate, gifted, and unique musician, whose personal interpretations of both classical and popular music have amazed and delighted
audiences around the world.
Born in Buenos Aires, Mr. Olivera’s first teacher (his father) encouraged him to begin playing the pipe organ
when he was three. Two years later, he was appointed organist of the Church of the Immaculate Conception.
At six, he entered the Buenos Aires Conservatory to study harmony, counterpoint, and fugue. By age nine,
he had composed a suite for oboe and string orchestra which was performed by the Buenos Aires Symphony Orchestra.
In 1965, New York’s prestigious Juilliard School of Music offered him a scholarship. He
moved to the United States to study with Vernon de Tar and Bronson Reagan. Three years later, Mr. Olivera won the National Improvisation Contest sponsored by the
American Guild of Organists, thereby launching his outstanding professional concert career.
Venues have included the Cathedral of Notre Dame in
Paris, Carnegie Hall, Royal Albert Hall in London,
Spivey Hall in Atlanta, Constitution Hall in Washington D.C., the Fox Theatre in Atlanta, Balboa Park in San Diego, Myerson Concert Hall in
Dallas, Verizon Hall in Philadelphia, and Walt Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles. In 2004, his appearance before the Guild’s National Convention in Los Angeles was
considered an historic triumph by 2,200 cheering organists, who gave him four standing ovations in 45 minutes.
Although most famous for his prodigious technical
proficiency, Mr. Olivera’s amazing effect on audiences has made many of the most sophisticated and
demanding organ aficionados claim that Maestro Hector Olivera is “one of the greatest organists in the world today.”
“An event, a happening, a joyful
celebration of the sheer power and
pressure that a true virtuoso like
Hector Olivera can unleash in a
concert hall.”
The Times Reporter
Composer Robert Vandall described
Mr. Olivera’s performance with the
Tuscarawas Philharmonic as "an
opportunity to hear and see greatness."
“Olivera began winsomely but
gradually morphed into a
gigantic mass of sound…The
audience was on its collective feet
at the end, deservedly.”
A priceless opportunity to hear world-class music!
North Bethesda United Methodist Church is proud to announce the
Dedication Day for our new Allen Bravura organ! On Sunday, February 26 at 10am, we will have a Consecration service with organ and choir; at 4pm
we will have a Dedication Recital featuring internationally acclaimed organist Hector Olivera, delivering an exciting, diverse program designed to
demonstrate the breadth of our new instrument’s capabilities. Free
admission with a good-will offering; catered reception to follow. Join us! 10100 Old Georgetown Road, Bethesda MD 20814. (301) 530-4342
Volume 46, Issue 2 Page 3
A WORK IN PROGRESS – OUR BRAVURA ORGAN!
Our new Allen Bravura organ is taking shape at the Allen Factory in
Macungie, PA. Even without its pedals, bench, electronics, and toe
stops, it is beginning to look like a real organ console!
It is a French-style console, with controls horizontally at the side, rather than vertically,
like English-style organs. The lower profile suits many churches’ needs, allowing easy sight between the choir and organist.
Our fundraising has been vigorous throughout the past 6 months, and, as of the second
weekend of January, we have raised $90,570 in donations and pledges. We are at 58% of our goal of $155,750 which will pay for the organ and installation costs of speakers
and modifications to the altar area to accommodate the new instrument.
Our organ capital campaign will continue in 2017 as we strive to raise the remaining
$65,180 to reach our goal. The campaign fund will then repay the loans borrowed from our Endowment Fund and the Smith Fund that have been used to pay for the organ so
far. The achievement of this goal is testament to our church family’s faith and commitment to worship God with the glory of music as well as word (Psalm 150:4).
The old organ has been removed. We are on track to modify the altar area and to
install wiring and speakers during the last half of January. The new organ is scheduled to be delivered and installed on or about February 1. “Tuning” of the organ and
speakers to the Sanctuary space will take another week or so.
The organ will be dedicated in a special ceremony Sunday morning on February 26.
Also on Sunday, February 26, at 4:00pm, Maestro Hector Olivera will entertain us in the
inaugural concert recital that promises to demonstrate the full range and capabilities of the Bravura.
Save the date, and BRING YOUR FRIENDS, NEIGHBORS, AND WORKPLACE COLLEAGUES to this exciting program. It is open to the public, free of charge, but
freewill donations will be accepted. A complimentary catered reception will follow the concert!
Jack Enders and NBUMC
Organ Fundraising Committee
Page 4 February 2017 Contact
Anam Cara
Our Next Musical Event!
Sunday March 12, 2pm:
Tony Ashur’s Ireland
For more than ten years at NBUMC, we have been blessed by the talent, skill, and
gifts of our Music Director, Tony Ashur. Tony went on sabbatical last January to fulfill a dream of studying traditional music from Ireland. He traveled around the country,
collecting tunes and stories from the people he met. Since his return, Tony has been exploring and adapting the music he gathered, creating his own unique renditions.
Tony will present his new music, soon to be a CD, in a concert especially for NBUMC
and our community on Sunday, March 12, at 2pm. Its title, “Anam Cara,” is Gaelic for “Soul Friend.” Tony said, “What I love most about Ireland is the way the people you
meet try to find their connection with you. I was amazed to see my host do this with everyone, whether they were members of his church, owners of restaurants, or even
the plumber who was going to do work at the church. It showed me that we all share something in common and we all have something that connects us to each other.”
From the CD liner notes:
In Celtic spiritual tradition, it is believed that the soul radiates all about the physical
body, what some refer to as an aura. When you connect with another person and become completely open and trusting with that individual, your two souls begin to
flow together. Should such a deep bond be formed, it is said you have found your Anam Cara. Your Anam Cara always accepts you as you truly are, holding you in
beauty and light. In order to appreciate this relationship, you must first recognize
your own inner light and beauty. This is not always easy to do. The Celts believed that forming an Anam Cara friendship would help you to awaken your awareness of your
own nature and experience the joys of others. You are joined in an ancient and eternal union with humanity that cuts across all barriers of time, convention,
philosophy and definition. When you are blessed with an Anam Cara, the Irish believe, you have arrived at that most sacred place: home.
Photo Credit: Tony Ashur, 2016. Lough Veigh (Veigh Lake), County Donegal.
Save the date! Spread the word!
The Glory of
Music
at NBUMC
Volume 46, Issue 2 Page 5
North Bethesda United Methodist Church
10100 Old Georgetown Road
Bethesda MD 20814
Phone: (301) 530–4342
E–mail: [email protected]
Website: www.NorthBethesdaUMC.org
Office Manager: Chris Lee
Office Hours: Tuesday -Thursday 8:30AM– 3:00PM
Pastor: Pastor Jeff Jones cell: (240) 994-1505
Minister of Visitation: Linda Thompson
Music Director: Tony Ashur
Coordinator of Education: Vicki Morrison
Contact Newsletter Editor: Valerie Blane
Contact Newsletter Publisher: Chris Lee
1 Kyle Short
2 Jenny Bartholomot
6 Fannie Shelton
7 Eric McDaniel
7 Michael Haney
8 Brandon Kesselly
9 Emily Lamoreaux
11 Imogene Surrey
15 Joy Burt
20 Lee Hillings
24 Valerie Kendall
27 Helen Poole
27 Yuko Robinson
28 Amy Duroska
28 Jessie Blair
If you have changes or additions
you can contact Diane Tabatabai
at 301-983-6878 or
It is a joy to be on the staff as your church visitor. I receive more than I give with each visit I make. Keeping in touch with our shut-ins and those struggling with lingering illness makes me realize how very blessed I am. Your generous Christmas bonus was very much appreciated. With Blessings for all the best to each of you in 2017. Linda
Many thank yous for the Christmas gift. As always, you are very kind and generous. I wish you all the very best in 2017! Tony
Thank you so much for the generous Christmas gift and especially for making me feel like part of the family. Chris
Thanks very much to all of you for your generosity this Christmas. Your kindness and support is always appreciated. Vicki
I appreciate your generosity very much. Tripta
Thank you all for your generous Christmas gift to our fabulous staff and me. We are very grateful for your support and look forward to great things in 2017. Pastor Jeff
Page 6 February 2017 Contact
Preacher Feature February can be a time for looking back and doing some introspection. Allow
me to do some of that now.
February, 1977, I was in the process of ordination to become an Elder. I served three churches in Carroll County. I was doing three of everything each month:
church council and worship services to plan. One church used the Rodeheaver
Song book.
When I was approved for ordination, the Bishop gave my father the privilege of preaching at the ordination service in the National Cathedral. The Episcopal rector did the laying on of
hands, giving me direct descent to Pope Peter.
My ordination as a Deacon, a preliminary step, occurred at the Cathedral of Mary Our Queen in Baltimore, giving me a Roman Catholic connection as well. My brother, Bruce, was ordained for both under the basketball hoop in the gymnasium of Frostburg University because we were out
there those years.
From Manchester’s three churches, I was moved to Evergreen UMC in Baltimore, my
grandmother’s church. I enjoyed being Bessie’s grandson.
The pastors of eight churches, one every two blocks because of mergers, joined into a cooperative parish. While I was there, one of the churches closed and merged with my church.
That congregation did it again a few years ago and is now called Good Shepherd UMC. I
followed Kay Barger as the pastor.
After six years, the Bishop moved me to Epworth UMC. We had a young adult ministry, but it was with a revolving door experience. Most of the residents were single; I did a lot of weddings!
However when they expected a baby, they had to move away to find affordable housing.
After ten years, the Bishop moved me to Ashton UMC. We enlarged the pre-school program so much that we had to double the size of the building. I learned many county regulations and
restrictions!
After nine years, the Bishop sent me to University UMC on the campus of the University of
Maryland. The challenge of trying to relate to 18 to 25 year-old students proved to be quite a
challenge.
In 2007, Liberty Grove’s pastor retired. The church had a building project in mind to renovate, remove asbestos, install an elevator, and upgrade the sound system. I served there for seven
years before coming to North Bethesda UMC.
This is the 40th anniversary of my ordination as an Elder. Times have surely changed. The interests of people are much different. The cost of doing church has increased tremendously.
The number of options for Sunday morning worship has multiplied. We live in dramatic times, but in some ways, it is just like the early church. God’s Spirit continues to work, transform, and
teach us to love God and one another in powerful ways.
Come join me in the continuing journey to do all the good we can all the time we can.
Pastor Jeff
Book Club Ideas
I would love for you to recommend books that we should read, either in a class setting or online book club. Share a book that made a difference to the way you
saw things. Share your recommendations and thoughts on the book with me by email. [email protected]
Let me know. Thanks! Pastor Jeff
Volume 46, Issue 2 Page 7
The Lectionary February 5th
Isa. 58:1-9a(9b-12)
Ps. 112:1-10 or UMH 833
1 Cor. 2:1-12 (13-16)
Matt. 5:13-20
February 12th
Deut. 30:15-20
Ps. 119:1-8 or UMH 840
1 Cor. 3:1-9
Matt. 5:21-37
February 19th
Lev. 19:1-2, 9-18
Ps. 119:33-40 or UMH 840
1 Cor. 3:10-11, 16-23
Matt. 5:38-48
February 26th
Exod. 24:12-18
Ps. 99 or UMH 819
2 Pet. 1:16-21
Matt. 17:1-9
Worship Themes
We follow the Narrative Lectionary for our Scripture passages. This Lectionary
follows one Gospel at a time during the first half of the year. Luke is the Gospel for this year. I encourage you to read Luke 7 and 9 on your own to
prepare.
2/5 Communion, Heal the Sick, Raise the Dead Luke 7: 1-17 Jesus heals a Centurion’s servant and raises a widow’s son from
the dead. This is a really good summary of what the
church is all about, healing those who are sick, discouraged, unsure, and raising the dead to new life.
2/12 Doubts About Jesus Luke 7: 18-35 John the
Baptist, in prison, wonders whether Jesus is really the one. Is he taking too long? Jesus’ says look; the
good news makes a difference with changes that are
spiritual and worthy of God’s work.
2/19 Major Forgiveness Luke 7: 36-50 The Pharisees have a major problem with Jesus accepting
and caring for sinners. Jesus offers forgiveness to a women with a horrible reputation.
2/26 Transfiguration/Organ Dedication Luke 9:28-45 Jesus appears with Moses and Elijah. The disciples
hear God affirm Jesus ministry. We dedicate our new organ. Concert at 4 pm!
3/1 Ash Wednesday Luke 9:51-62 Jesus begins his journey to Jerusalem, his betrayal and crucifixion.
The imposition of ashes reminds us that we need Jesus to restore our brokenness before God.
Snow Removal Many people were concerned about the condition of the parking lot and sidewalks after
the recent snow and ice. Pastor Jeff reached out to Emerald Landscaping several times by phone without any response. After our most recent Trustee meeting, we decided
that I would take this responsibility on to make sure this does not happened again.
I called Emerald during their regular business hours and spoke to the person in
charge. We now have the correct numbers and email when we need to contact them again. I will be their contact person and will actively stay in touch with them while
monitoring any inclement weather. Thank you for your patience.
Elaine Jones, Trustee NBUMC
Page 8 February 2017 Contact
Ash Wednesday Lent begins with a solemn call to fasting and repentance as we begin our journey to the expressions of joy at Easter. During Lent, we reflect on our spiritual journey and
wonder if God is really happy with us. Have we done all that he has asked us to do since we welcomed Jesus into our hearts and made a commitment to him?
Ash Wednesday reminds us that we have missed the target of God’s choices. We should be sorry for making a mess of a beautiful life that God gave us. Ashes have been a
symbol of recognition that we need to be cleansed. We stand in need of a Savior. All of us have fallen short of the glory of God and are in need of a forgiving love to restore
us. Lent gives us a time to reflect and consider whether Easter has made that big a change in our lives. And if not? Why not? Grace is good news that we can start over
again and let God love us into a new dimension of life.
Lent and Ash Wednesday are like that moment when the prodigal son woke up to his
desperate situation and knew that his father’s love could help him out of the mess. He had made of his life. Jesus was trying to tell us that he can restore us to our proper
place, as a part of the family of God.
Lent is also like the moment in the older brother’s life, when he heard the sound of
music and dancing and learned that it was a party for his younger brother that Dad had thrown for him. It wasn’t fair or right, the older brother thought. But his Dad came out
to him, too, to welcome him home at a new level of warmth and acceptance, not based on merit or service. Because we, too, belong to God, come on in, come back home,
come try again.
Pastor Jeff
Concerned parishioners from our church, as
well as those who were there in spirit (Ardoth and others who were unable to
come), joined the March on Washington on January 21.
We marched for human rights, for equal justice for people of color, for our
LGBTQ sisters and brothers, for the ability to make decisions on our own bodies, for our neighbors and
friends who celebrate a different religion that has been threatened by the new administration, for
immigrants seeking a new life and new educational opportunities, for courtesy, respect, and compassion for all people in this country.
There was a sea of rainbow-hued faces, friendly and loving, happy to be there in
community with fellow marchers, full of empathy and kindness toward one another.
Strangers chatted easily with each other. Children smiled. Young people held posters.
Grandmothers walked with babies. And the many, many men who supported us!
The speakers and musicians inspired us. We felt committed to each other, as we pledged to go forth to
make the changes for social justice, to live out Wesley's words of doing good for all.
Valerie Blane
Proverbs 31:8-9 Speak out for those who cannot speak, for
the rights of all the destitute. Speak out,
judge righteously, defend the rights of the
poor and needy.
Matthew 25:35-36 ... for I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me
something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked
and you gave me clothing, I was sick and you took care of me, I was in
prison and you visited me.
1 Peter 5:5 … And all of you must clothe
yourselves with humility in your
dealings with one another, for "God
opposes the proud, but gives grace to
the humble."
Page 10 February 2017 Contact
Giant Card Program Earns Church $1,000
The Giant Card Fund-Raising Program earned NBUMC $1,000 in 2016. All of the
money went to support the ministry of our church. Thanks to everyone for supporting not only this program but the wonderful ministry of our church to
individuals and people throughout the world.
Thanks also to the hard-working committee members who sell the cards in Johnson Hall after worship. We are always looking for volunteers, twelve years old or older,
to help sell the cards. Just speak to one of our committee members: Betty Ball,
Patience Ball, Claude Bartholomot, Sue Enders, or me if you are interested.
As most of you know, Giant card purchases are not tax-deductible since the money the church earns comes from the 5% discount the church receives when it buys the
cards from Giant. You pay nothing over the face value of the cards in an even exchange. For example, a $100 buys a card valued at
$100 when you shop at Giant. There are no hidden fees, and the cards do not expire. Just present your
card at checkout. You keep using a card until you have spent the amount printed on it.
NBUMC does not endorse Giant over any other store,
but the financial support from Giant is much appreciated. Stop by the Giant table in Johnson Hall
during Happy Hour and buy the amount that fits your needs, from $10 on up. Payments can be made with a
check, cash, or a credit card. Just want to talk? Our cheerful committee members are always happy to chat, as well as do business, so
come on by!
Paul Hurlburt
Fun With Words! I read part of a mystery recently that took place in Scotland. (It wasn’t
that good, so I didn’t finish it.) Some of the words I didn’t know are here for your edification and enjoyment:
jam sandwich: a police car
boggin: useless
bampot: mentally unhinged person
dingy: ignore
Valerie Blane
Volume 46, Issue 2 Page 11
Shrove Tuesday Pancakes and
Performance!
Come One! Come All! Show off your talents at
our Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper, Feb. 28, 6:00PM.
Start thinking and preparing now. Read or recite a poem, sing a song,
play an instrument, tell a few jokes, tell a story, act a
scene/monologue, individually or in groups.
For those who don't want to take the stage, bring some of your crafts:
art work, jewelry, knitting, quilting, and other crafts to show (and/or
sell) at tables around the room during the evening.
We'll have a pancake supper with pancakes, eggs, sausages,
and applesauce, and then take turns entertaining one another (kind of
a "sing" for your supper deal.) A great way to start off the Lenten
season! Please contact Natalie McManus or Valerie Blane for more
information or to delight us by telling us that you are participating!
Twas the Season of Giving – and you gave! A heartfelt “God bless!” to the congregation. Your generosity
came shining through again with the 2016 Gifts of Caring. In honor of our friends and loved ones, we donated a record-
breaking $3,440 to men, women, and children in the neighborhood and around the world who are less
fortunate than we are. Thanks go out to everyone at NBUMC who showed what “gifts” and “caring” really
mean.
And remember, instead of yet another trip to the mall,
you can give a Gift of Caring anytime during the year! Birthdays, anniversaries, weddings: just contact Dayna
Fellows or any member of the Missions Work Group to make a donation and give a gift that will stand out among
all others – and truly make a difference in a needy person’s life. (Dayna: 301-564-0017 or
Page 12 February 2017 Contact
We anticipate that our church building will be closed on March 3, 2017, for pre-construction activities to include testing and sampling in preparation
for the upcoming fire alarm project.
Absolutely no one will be allowed to enter the building on Friday,
March 3, 2017 and possibly March 4, 2017. We will keep you informed of any changes in this schedule as time grows closer.
Thank you from
Your NBUMC Trustee Committee
Sign Language Corner: Some Music Signs
And yes, many deaf/hard-of-hearing people like music and attend concerts.
Valerie Blane
Music: Left arm bent in
front of body hand palm
up. Right B hand moves
back and forth on top of
Organ: Mime playing the
organ, but with one hand
higher than the other, as
if playing different
keyboard.
Program: Left hand in front of
chest, palm in. Right P starts
near palm and goes over to the
back of the hand.
Maestro: Both A hands,
thumbs up. Right circles to
the right above the left.
Volume 46, Issue 2 Page 13
Special Thanks to NBUMC
I would like to say a special thank you to my NBUMC family. My surgery went well, and your prayers meant so much to me and my
family. All of your cards, hospital visits, phone calls, emails, texts messages, gifts, food, and visits to my home helped me to recuperate
even faster. My physical therapy is proceeding quickly. Your continued support and love and words of inspiration mean everything to me, and I
am truly blessed to have you all in my life. God bless you all.
Vera Jennings
Finance Update January is always the worst month for church finances, because it comes after December, the best month. January has high bills: heat, salaries, insurance, and other
expenses. We need your help.
Being generous is one of God’s great qualities. We’ve been told over and over again in
Scripture that we are made in the image of God, that generosity is a part of who we are. There are more verses in the Bible about finances than about prayer and faith
combined.
God asked that we give ten percent to him, show we are grateful for God’s gifts. If
you’ve never tithed, it might seem an impossible task, because our culture encourages us to spend more than we make. God forgives us and gives us a fresh start to support
the work of the church.
Give $1 a week for every $1,000 of annual income would be about 5%. For example, if
you earn $50,000, you could give $50 a week. If that seems too hard, give just a little bit more each week.
God promises that the Holy Spirit will help you in this process, will show you how you
can save the money. We don’t need every expensive cup of coffee; one less a week
will help.
Generosity has its own dynamic and exciting rewards. When you know you are making a difference, you will feel the joy
Pastor Jeff
We give because God gave first
For God so loved the world, that he gave his one and only son, that whoever
believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
John 3:16
Page 14 February 2017 Contact
The Story Behind “Pass Me Not, O Gentle Savior” Frances Jane Crosby was born on March 24, 1820, in Southwest, New York. At
the age of six weeks, she developed a bad cold with accompanying eye
infection. A quack doctor prescribed hot mustard poultices on the eyes. By the
time she was six months old, she was blind. (There was disagreement in the
sources as to whether she was actually born blind or whether it was due to the
infection.) Also at six months, her father died. Fanny was reared by her
mother and grandmother, both of whom instructed her in Christianity. She memorized
many passages from the Bible, including the first four books of the Old Testament and the
four gospels.
She attended the New York Institute for the Blind for her entire education, graduating in
1843. She joined a group of lobbyists in Washington that same year to urge support for
schools for the blind. She became the first woman to speak in the US Senate when she
recited her poem:
O ye, who here from every state convene,
Illustrious band! may we not hope the scene You now behold will prove to every mind
Instruction hath a ray to cheer the blind.
She then taught history and English there. She wrote over 1,000 poems and published
four books of poetry. A very quick writer, Fanny also wrote over 8,000 hymns. She
decided that she didn’t want her name to overwhelm hymnals, so she used over 200
pseudonyms! Other familiar hymns include: “Blessed Assurance,” “I Am Thine, O Lord,”
and “Jesus Keep Me Near the Cross.” Some sources call her the “Queen of the Gospel
Song Writers.”
Fanny was invited to speak at many evangelic events, including a prison in 1868. Many of
the prisoners interrupted her speech with, “Lord, do not pass me by.” Afterwards, she
incorporated the line into a poem.
She wrote hymns with many people including her minister at the Sixth Avenue Baptist
Church in Brooklyn, Robert Lowry. She also collaborated with William Doane on many
hymns, including “Pass Me Not, O Gentle Savior.”
When she died on February 12, 1915, her tombstone read, “Aunt Fanny” and “Blessed
assurance, Jesus is mine. Oh, what a foretaste of glory divine.”
William Doane was born on February 3, 1832, in Preston, Connecticut. At a young age, he
showed musical abilities, later playing the flute, violin, and bass. While attending
Woodstock Academy, he became choir director.
Even though he worked for his father’s woodworking machine company, he
had time to compose over 2,300 pieces of music; of these, 1,500 were music
for Fanny’s poems. He also composed secular instrumental, vocal, and choral
pieces.
Both Doane and Crosby died the same year. He died on December 23, 1915.
Both of these people had fascinating lives. I urge you to google them both!
Valerie Blane
