By Heather Skinner
HOWES CAVE — At 7PM October 24th, The Community Church of Howes Cave hosted its 2nd Pipe Organ Recital organized by the church’s organist and Director of Music, Benjamin Frisch. This free event (donations appreciated), offered refreshments supplied by Church members and the opportunity to, “Bring friends and family, or just bring yourself for an evening of music and fellowship.” Pastor Tom shared thanks for Frisch, the organists sharing their talent, and attendees joining them in-person & via streaming as they shared, “God’s wonderful music, the resources God has bestowed upon this Church,” and a wish for all to, “Feel the peace and the joy it brings to everyone.”
Frisch organized their May 16th recital as well, bringing familiar faces back with him on October 24th; Wally Jones, who is 83 and plays 17 times a month in 7 locations, and Audrey Daly-Gilman, visiting from Altamont Reform Church. New to the program was mother/daughter duo Rhea Dawn Owens (piano) and Rachel Owens (organ).
Jones began, “I’m going to do The Lord’s Prayer (by Albert Malotte), but I always do it Wally Style, so there’s a little bit of me in there.” Jones also incorporated Wally Notes into his 2nd piece, Beethoven’s 9th Symphony, guaranteeing each of Jones’ performances is a unique experience.
Jones once won a 1-year scholarship that allowed him to be a pupil of renowned organist, Dr. Tidmarsh, and said he wears different invisible hats; organist, pianist, composer (of pieces like Meditation), and performs singalongs & concerts.
Jones said, “I play for seniors (at St. Peter’s Nursing & Rehabilitation Center) and they say I make their life, I lift their spirits. The thing that keeps me going now is that I can touch other lives.” People often ask if his hands get tired, he replies, “No, because I’m playing from my heart, I'm playing from my soul. So when you play from the inside out, when you play from your gut, you know the depth, I’m lost; once I start playing, I don't even know that anybody’s around. That’s how much it means to me, I’m actually praying when I play.”
Every Sunday, Jones plays organ at 2 churches. After services, Clarksville Community Reformed Church records Jones playing a hymn of his choice and posts it to YouTube.
Jones’ wife (an opera singer) passed in 2009; Jones said she called his Wally Notes, “poetic license,” and, “She’s in Heaven going, ‘You go for it, Wally!’”
Audrey Daly-Gilman played Antiphon V: How Fair and How Pleasant Thou Art by Marcel Dupre, and attendees bopped their heads to her performance of Fanfare by Jacques Lemmens. Daly-Gilman said when preparing for recitals she tries to include one selection with a slow tempo and one that’s fast. For this recital, Daly-Gilman used the opportunity to play songs that would help with self-development saying, “I want to be able to do it better, so I'll focus on that.”
For Fanfare, Daly-Gilman explained, “The congregation always loves it, but I'm always a little uncomfortable, so I've been trying to work on my endurance because the piece is a little on the longer side.” Daly-Gilman played piano for many years and started learning the organ in her 40’s after being inspired by organists at church.
For future projects, Daly-Gilman’s working on a couple pieces she said may not be ready to perform for a couple years, but her instincts will let her know when they’re ready to share.
Daly-Gilman expressed her happiness being part of October 24th’s Organ Recital saying,
“We had a lot of variety today; it was nice, and I enjoyed all the pieces.” Adding, “It’s a pleasure to be here. It’s a nice group and I know everyone enjoys the Hymn Sing, so it’s a lot of fun.”
Frisch played 2 pieces he’d been performing this month during Church services; Prelude from Te Deum by Marc-Antoine Charpentier and Jerusalem by Hubert Parry. Frisch returned to the organ after intermission for the Traditional Hymn Sing, where audience members call out hymn numbers they want Frisch to play the 1st and last verses of while they all sing along.
The Hymn Sing’s 1st request of 16 was Amazing Grace. Jones requested 100, All Creatures of Our God and King (Para. by William H. Draper, 1926), and How Great Thou Art from another song book. A child in the front row requested 213, Crown Him with Many Crowns (Matthew Bridges, 1851), and everyone stood for all verses played of the last selection decided by Frisch; 91, A Mighty Fortress Is Our God (Martin Luther, 1529 Trans. By Frederick H. Hedge, 1853).
Rhea Dawn Owens & Rachel Owens gave each other a nod before beginning their performance of Now Let Us All Praise God and Sing by Gordon Young and Hyfrydol by Rowland Pritchard Welsh (tune from 19th century arr. By Tom Fettke).
Rhea Dawn is Rachel’s mother, piano teacher, and got her started on church organ. Rachel mentioned her grandmother had also played organ at their church.
At the age of 4, Rhea Dawn started playing, while Rachel has been playing the organ for about 17 years (since the age of 15), started playing piano at the age of 7, and played for area churches in college while majoring in voice.
Rhea Dawn shared that Rachel has cerebral palsy and accomplishes playing the organ using only one leg; her specialist is thrilled she can play the organ at all.
Rhea Dawn invited, “Come over to our Church on Sunday mornings!” They also livestream their Pilgrim Holiness Church (Middleburgh) services.
When asked what Frisch wanted to share with everyone, he quoted, “Soli Deo Gloria,” and explained is Latin for, “To God alone be the glory,” and what Johann Sebastian Bach always said upon finishing a piece of music.
The Community Church of Howes Cave is at 128 Lester Ln. For those excited to return for their 3rd organ recital, and those looking to experience 1 for the 1st time, Frisch is already planning the next recital for Friday May 22nd, 2026.
October 24th Community Church of Howes Cave Organ Recital attendees singing along during their Traditional Hymn Sing. Pastor Tom of The Community Church of Howes Cave.
Community Church of Howes Cave Director of Music, Benjamin Frisch, during the Traditional Hymn Song. One of the children that can be seen in the front row got to request Hymn 213, Crown Him with Many Crowns (Matthew Bridges, 1851).
Organists Wally Jones, Audrey Daly-Gilman, Rhea Dawn Owens, Rachel Owens, and Benjamin Frisch.
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