Red Bank Church Celebrates 50 Year Anniversary of Church Organ

On October 26, the congregation of the United Methodist Church of Red Bank and lovers of organ music gathered to celebrate the 50th Anniversary since the installation of the church organ. Built in the neo-Baroque style by Austrian Gerhard Hradetzy in 1975, the instrument has been played by a number of church organists and visiting organists.

The current organist and Director of Music Ministries is Evan Courtney who is celebrating his tenth year at UMC Red Bank. Mr. Courtney designed a service featuring the Festival Choir, brass musicians, and an organ recital by Anna Gugliotta, who is the Director of Music and Organist at St. Thomas More Catholic Church in Manalapan.

Mr. Courtney told those assembled that the C.H.H. Parry piece, “I Was Glad,” which the Festival Choir sang, along with organ and brass accompaniment, was performed at the original organ installation celebration. The Festival Choir comprised the Sanctuary Choir of UMC Red Bank as well as a number of vocally talented friends and former members.

“What a wonderful celebration this was,” said Mr. Courtney. “The organ sounded glorious, the brass added wonderful sparkle, and the choir couldn’t have sounded better. Truly something I’ll always remember.”

Ms. Gugliotta’s recital included a series of Marian antiphons by various composers, along with excerpts from Felix Mendelssohn’s Organ Sonata in C minor, Op.65/2, demonstrating the range of sounds the instrument can produce. Gerhard Hradetzy appeared on video, sharing his recollection of the instrument as the first one he built after completing his training.

Watch a video of the celebration here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FkwkXzyIgLk