Page 2 - MLD Book

FROM THE ORGAN BENCH TO THE FOOD PANTRY
The Early Years 1962-1972 ItwasthemonthofMay,1962. AswasoftenthecasewhenMelvincommutedtoLouisville from Frankfort to teach at the University of Louisville Music School, I would ride along and tinker around Louisville while he taught his organ stu7dents. I was pregnant with Maria, it turns out, but that momentous event would not happen until December, so I was free to
wander.
I first landed at the old Stewart’s Department store on Fourth Street, and after shopping some there (never my calling to shop!), I made my way down Fourth Street (now it’s called Avenue!) and was attracted by a church with a stone tower. It was Calvary Episcopal Church. I ventured there, being drawn by some inexplicable reason, and HAD to go in. Now going into strange churches was not unusual at all for me, because Melvin and I had made a habit of it while studying on Fulbrights in Germany. Our adventures began as we traveled all over Europe on recital tours with Professor Walcha and on break times, and that means of
tracking down historic pipe organs would continue to be our entry ticket as the years ensued in subsequent trips abroad. But somehow, this visit to Calvary was different.
I ascended the steps and there was a sign saying COME IN, REST, AND PRAY. I obeyed and entered. (That was before it was locked all the time and it was accessible for all to obey the sign by simply going in.) It was beautiful. Of course, Melvin and I always looked for the organ pipes first in any church we entered, so that’s what I did. And what a glorious sight. The façade pipes to the right front were painted a dark green and gold., courtesy of a parishioner who owned Porter Paint Company. I sat down in one of the pews. And suddenly, I heard a voice saying, “You are going to become the organist in this church.” I thought that was a grand idea and somehow I didn’t think it was strange at all that I heard this voice. In the ensuing