Oct. 16 organ-piano recital part of English Lutheran anniversary celebrations

“On Our Way Rejoicing!” Organ/Piano Recital

Bluffton’s English Lutheran Church will hold an organ and piano recital at 3:00 p.m. on Sunday afternoon, October 16. The recital at 111 Grove St. is part of the church's 150th anniversary celebrations and will feature Scott Edwards on organ and Sandy Miller on piano. They will play hymn arrangements celebrating the church’s liturgical year.

Scott Edwards, son of the late Bill and Dorothy Edwards, has been attending English Lutheran since birth.  He began his music education in second grade when he started weekly piano lessons with Isabelle West.  After three years of piano, he became interested in learning to play the organ. His parents contacted Otto Holtkamp, a music professor at Bluffton College, to see if he was old enough to begin organ lessons. He studied with Professor Holtkamp until he entered high school.  At the age of 16, Scott became the organist at English Lutheran, replacing his mother, Dorothy Edwards. He has been the church organist for 63 years.  Prior to becoming the organist, he had played piano for Sunday school.

Sandy Miller, daughter of the late Homer and Dorothy Miller, grew up in Bluffton and was confirmed at English Lutheran Church. Upon graduating from Bluffton High School, she furthered her studies at Manchester College in Indiana and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Vocal Performance. She went on to get a Master of Education from Bluffton University. Throughout her career, she has sung and played piano or organ for many musical events. Sandy was employed by the Lima City School Music Department until her retirement in 2014.  She has been the organist for St. Luke’s Lutheran Church in Lima for 39 years.

All are invited to attend this event.  A reception will be held in the church’s fellowship hall immediately following the recital.