Church: Greenwood UCC-Leona Albert Honored
Transcriber: Janet

----Source: TRG: 3 OCT, 1982

MRS. ALBERT HONORED FOR YEARS AS ORGANIST

Sunday morning services at Immanuel United Church of Christ, Greenwood, held a surprise for Mrs. Leona Albert. She was honored for her long and outstanding contribution to the music program at Immanuel.

She started playing when she was ten years old. She would go with Reverend Vriesen in a sleigh to Salem Church n Braun Settlement on a Sunday afternoon to play for their church services.

She has had experience playing on an old pump organ to the electric organ that is now used by many churches.

The program Sunday morning in her honor consisted of selection by the choir for their Mission Festival and 25th anniversary of Immanuel Church joining the United Church of Christ.

A tribute written for Leona by a former neighbor and friend, Elsie Abel, was read by Kenneth Steiger, who also presented her with a plaque from the congregation inscribed with the words, "Presented to Leona Albert in grateful appreciation for her many years of devoted service to our music program - Immanuel United Church".

Kurt Humke present her with a corsage from the Youth Fellowship and Susan Richmond sang a solo "Oh Lord, Bless This Day", which was accompanied by Kathy Fravert.

Following the service, a pot luck dinner was served. A floral arrangement from the Women's Guild and a cake from the Adult Fellowship was the centerpiece for the table at which the gust of honor was seated with her family. Many guest were present that had participated in the music program with Mrs. Albert at one time or another.

Mrs. Albert's daughter and family, Mr. and Mrs. Lyle Bulgrin and children, Bryce, Bronnyn and Bethany, from Pekin, Ill., were in attendance.

Following is the poem Mrs. Elsie Abel wrote for Mrs. Albert:

A Tribute

The bells are ringing, its is Sunday morn And as I pause to reminisce, It brings to mind a special friend Who served as Immanuel's organist.

A wonderful talent God has given you With which you served Him throughout the years. A heart for music and for son Through sunshine and through tears.

Each time you place your hands upon the keyboard At this appointed time of day, The music flowed so rich and sweet In perfect harmony.

Not only at Sunday worship services But at many other special hours, When hearts were filled with joy or saddened Amidst wedding or funeral flowers.

Maybe at time you hands trembled just a bit And you breathed a prayer or two, No one ever noticed the tiniest flaw And the choir always made it through.

Today our hearts are filled with gratitude Memories make the music swell, "May God bless you Leona and keep you",

You have served your Master well!