FROM THE RECTOR
June, 2005

As most of you have heard by now, our Minister of Music, Victoria Shields Harding, last month announced her resignation, which will be effective August 31.

I know that I express the sentiment of our entire congregation when I say how much we have all been touched by her incredible ministry at Pohick these past seven years. Her own deep commitment to Christian spirituality and musical excellence rings out each week when she mounts the organ bench to play. Those same qualities have been manifested in the music of our choirs, each of which she has guided week by week with such love and devotion. Most recently, she has presided over the major renovation of our organ, resulting not only in its restoration to first-class condition, but also in its transformation into an instrument that more favorably serves the musical needs of a growing congregation.

We will greatly miss her in these roles as she moves (at least for now) into a different ministry, working with the many assorted breeds of dogs she loves so dearly. At the same time, I am heartened that, as she follows in the footsteps of St. Francis, she and Matt intend to continue at Pohick as parishioners, being with us as much as their ongoing musical duties will allow (Matt is continuing in the Marine Band, while Vicky will also pursue part-time work as a substitute organist).

We will honor Vicky’s ministry among us at a special reception on August 28, her last Sunday as our Minister of Music. I also hope that as many as can be present will attend this month’s Sounds of Pohick Hymn Sing on Saturday, June 4 at 4 pm in the church, as this will be the last musical event of Vicky’s tenure.

Having expressed all this, the question naturally arises, “Where do we go from here?” The Canons of our Church are quite clear in designating church music as one of a rector’s most important responsibilities:

It shall be the duty of every Member of the Clergy to see that music is used as an offering for the glory of God and as a help to the people in their worship in accordance with the Book of Common Prayer and as authorized by the rubrics or by the General Convention of this Church. To this end the Member of the Clergy shall have final authority in the administration of matters pertaining to music. In fulfilling this responsibility the Member of the Clergy shall seek assistance from persons skilled in music. Together they shall see that music is appropriate to the context in which it is used. (Title II, Canon 5)

In the process of “seek[ing] assistance from persons skilled in music” (i.e., searching for a new Minister of Music), I will soon appoint a Search Committee to advise me in making this important selection - in fact, it will probably already be formed by the time you read this article.* This group will function as a branch of the Music Committee.

In assembling this group, I will endeavor to select members who will not only represent many of the musical interests of our parish, but will also seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit in this process, keeping in mind the larger mission and ministry of the congregation throughout.

At the same time, I will also try to avoid creating a group so large as to be unwieldy. Because this will preclude the selection of many who might wish to serve on this Committee, we will publish the members’ names shortly after the group has been formed in order that you might express your concerns to them. Of course, I am also glad to receive your input as well.

This group will work with me, the Personnel Committee and the Finance Committee to craft a position description that will serve as the basis for the search. We will also draw up a corresponding position announcement that we will post prominently in the appropriate trade publications and electronic bulletins.

Over the summer, we will review résumés and conduct interviews, with the goal of having the new Minister of Music on board by September 1. If that proves to be too optimistic, we may need to have an interim period, making use of supply musicians. But, I would hope to keep such a time to an absolute minimum.

Please keep us all in your prayers throughout this process - and we will do our best to keep you apprised of new developments as they arise over the summer.

*Since this was written, the Rector has announced the members of the Search Committee: Mason Botts, Chair (Choir, Pohick Pickers, Personnel Committee), Jacqueline Wells (Choir, Bell Choir, Music Committee Chair), Don Brownlee (Choir, Bell Choir), Judd Sage (Choir, Pohick Pickers), Shirley Kapusciarz (Bell Choir, 11:15 service), Kate Collins (Youth Choir) and Michelle Booth (Choir Parents).