Brooklyn Chapter Celebrates its Traditional Post-Holidays Party,
Fort Hamilton, January 8, 2006
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The Brooklyn Chapter of the American Guild of Organists holds its holiday get-together AFTER the craziness of the
holidays--another sign of the wisdom inherent in our profession!
This year, we met once again at the home of Sub-Dean Jonathan Hall and Bill Powers for pre-prandials, then went
to the church of Saint John's, Fort Hamilton, right under the twinkling lights and delicate fretwork of the Verrazano
Narrows Bridge, for a very delicious dinner.
The Rector of the church, Fr. Barry, pronounced a benediction.
We feasted on Hope's holiday punch, of course, followed by the crispest of salads, penne alla vodka, chicken
breast with mushrooms, paella (loaded with mollusks and other sea creatures) and string beans almondine. Dessert
included fudge made by some elves in Rutherford, New Jersey, as well as cheesecake, apple pie, and Lord only
knows what else.
The evening was brightened, as always, by Dulci's harp playing. After that, Powers and Hall played Rachmaninoff
and Scott Joplin, and our Dean Don Barnum opened the "barn doornum" of his IMMENSE voice and sang some
Broadway standards to universal delight. I think they could hear him in Staten Island. Finally, those who remained
gathered round the old Baldwin piano and sang some parodies of traditional Christmas carols, updated for the
present company!
After this, the faithful remnant (many had gone home) posed for the portrait you see below.
This church is right near an historic military installation, and is called the Church of the Generals because Robert E.
Lee was on the vestry and General McClellan also worshiped here. Notice the portrait of Lee on the wall in the
photograph below!
Why haven't you joined this Chapter yet?
Dulci, Julian, Joe, Tom, Sylvester, Michael, Don, Bill, Tim, Keith, Steve, and Joe!
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