See note at bottom of story and lots of photos -
Two Bluffton churches could not get through their Sunday morning worship services without Scott Edwards.
He has a reserved front row seat at English Lutheran Church and First United Methodist. That’s because he is the organist of both congregations.
On Nov. 24, English Lutheran recognized Edwards for his 60-plus years as organist at 111 Grove Street.
Scott became English Lutheran’s organist as a teenager. That was seven or maybe eight pastors ago at the Lutheran congregation. He’s been at it ever since, and in recent years added the First United Methodist Church to his Sunday rotation.
“I start at the Lutheran church in its 9 to 10 morning service, then I head over the United Methodist and play in its 10:30 to 11:30 service,” he said.
Concerning Lutheran hymns books, as Scott says, “I started playing when there was a black-bound hymn book. Then a red one, green one and now another red one.”
“I started organ lessons in the fifth grade,” said Scott in a recent interview with the Icon. “Otto Holtkamp, Bluffton College music professor, was my teacher. I also took piano lessons from Isabelle West when I was in elementary.”
He says that he’s played every church organ in and near Bluffton.
“One of the most memorable Sunday services was when I played at St. John Catholic Church in Glandorf,” he said.
“Their organ is in the back of the church and the organist’s back is to the congregation,” he said. “The organ has a rear-view mirror where the organist watches the congregation when he plays.”
Of course, he has favorite hymns and composers.
“I like the variety of many organ composers,” he said. “I like J.S. Bach and also some of the newer hymns.’”
Earlier in November, Edwards performed a recital and hymn-sing, which included many of his favorite organ pieces.
“You probably are wondering if I’ve played at funerals and wedding,” he laughed. “The answer is ‘yes’ and there have been more funerals than weddings."
With no plans to retire, Scott, a 1962 Bluffton High School graduate, says being a church organist is fun.
We didn’t ask, but only assume that he could play the Lutheran hymnbook blindfolded.
Note: On Nov. 24, the people of English Lutheran Church and invited guests surprised Edwards with an open house celebration of his 60 years of music ministry to the congregation as organist.
He took over the role of head organist from his mother, the late Dorothy Edwards Brown. During those 60 years it is estimated that Scott has played for 2,750 Sundays, over 9,000 preludes, offertories, and postludes, and over 14,000 hymns and songs – not including music for weddings, funerals, and mid-week Lenten services.
