Talk about boring! There is just nothing going on right now so I guess it's time for another blast from the past.
My husband got stationed in Bainbridge, Maryland and our family moved into housing situated just outside the base's back gate. On top of the hill behind us sat a Baptist Church and I started attending services there.
.jpg)
There's always a big turnover anytime there's military involved so one day the pastor told me that the organist had moved away with her Navy husband. He knew I had played the piano some years before so he asked me if I would take up her position.
I'd never plalyed an organ before. never had lessons (and yes, it is different than a piano). Scared the bee-gee-bees outta me but I said I'd give it a try. I'd go in off-times and practice and got to where I could do a fair job with all the keys and the foot pedals and stuff.
I was soon playing for the Sunday morning service.
Well.... I got to church one Sunday morning. We had guests attending service that day.... the BIG BOSS.... the base commander and his wife. That made me a little nervous.
People were already filling in the pews when I went up and sat down at the organ. I opened the hymnal to the opening music, positioned my hands over the keys and hit the first chord. It was like a bomb had gone off ... the volume was so loud. My face turned bright red, I glanced at the Commander and gave a weak little grin.
Seems that when the caretaker was doing his weekly cleaning he'd pushed the volume pedal to full volume. I prayed that the floor would just open up and let me drop through but I fixed the problem and we started our first hymn.
Hey, I lived through it and now it's a funny memory to pass on to others. But, I tell you.... it was not funny when it happened!!
I think you’re really brave ! I dread to think the hash I would have made of it. My mother on the other hand was an organist for our Welsh Baptist chapel from 16 until she passed at 80. She was often asked to play at for weddings & funerals in different chapels & churches, which always made her nervous. I guess you get to know your own organs quirks.
ReplyDeleteWhat a memory! And of course it happened when the commander was there. I know most people probably didn't think much of it, but for you it was terrible!
ReplyDeleteI played piano in church but never the organ. Good for you for being brave enough to do it.
Playing for the congregation is one thing, but for the base commander?! You must have been so nervous! So glad you can laugh about it now. And you're right, it makes for a great story!
ReplyDelete