ZION

The Recent History of the Music Ministry at Zion

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Scott Trexler became Minister of Music at Zion in August 1974.  The church had decided to employ one full-time person to be organist and director of all the choirs. 

In 1974, Zion had a Senior Choir of 30 or more members, a Youth Choir (Grades 7-12), and a Children's Choir.  At the time there was a need to either replace or rebuild the current pipe organ.  The organ committee consulted several companies and traveled to hear pipe organs and visit company workshops.  The Moller Organ Company in Hagerstown, Maryland received the contract in 1977 for a rebuild of the Zion's instrument and was able to retain some of the pipework from the original 1929 Skinner organ.  Organ recitals were presented through the years featuring Mr. Trexler as well as guest artists.  A hymn festival with renowned composer/organist Paul Manz took place in the early 1980s.

      Through the 1970s the choral program was expanded to include a Primary Choir (Gr. K-2), and Mr. Trexler also began working with the nursery school children.  Pastor Wildgrube and Jean suggested that Weekday School on Tuesdays should combine Bible classes with choir practice.  This proved very successful and increased attendance. In 1981 a handbell program was begun, with two bell choirs. Part of that program involved a great deal of outreach.  The bells would visit nursing homes and other venues to present programs for the residents.  Also in the 1980s a second adult choir, the Chancel Choir, began singing at the 8:30 AM Sunday service.

         Another feature of the 1970s and 80s was choir "exchanges" with other Lutheran churches, especially Grace Lutheran in Queens Village.  This began with just the Youth Choir but was later expanded to include the Senior Choir.  Joint choral programs were agreed upon by the directors, and each church would visit the other for a weekend, usually, Fall and Spring, that included social activities, some sightseeing, and church services on Sundays with the combined choirs.  Some instrumentalists were also part of a similar exchange program with Our Savior Lutheran Church in Port Washington, NY.

         Mr. Trexler retired in Sept. 2014 but continues in a part-time capacity as organist and director of the Jubilation Choir.  He has continued to provide wonderful music for our worship services throughout the pandemic with soloists, instrumentalists, and choir pieces. Thank you, Scott!