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Centennial Celebration Organ Concert - First United Methodist Church of Oak Park
Centennial Organ Concert at First United Methodist Church of Oak Park
Sunday, November 23, 2025 | 4:00 PM
Reception to Follow in Fellowship Hall
On Sunday, November 23, 2025, First United Methodist Church of Oak Park invites the community to a once-in-a-century celebration: a Centennial Organ Concert marking 100 years of worship in our present sanctuary. Rooted in the words of Psalm 90:1 — “Lord, you have been our dwelling place throughout all generations” — this concert reflects both the enduring beauty of sacred music and the faithfulness of God across generations.
The concert will feature masterworks and beloved selections performed on the church’s historic pipe organ, an instrument that has inspired worship and filled the sanctuary with music since the building first opened in 1925. Over ninety minutes, audiences will be guided through a program that highlights not only the technical brilliance and expressive depth of the organ, but also the joy, hope, and reverence at the heart of Christian worship.
Following the concert, all are invited to a catered reception in Fellowship Hall — a time to celebrate together in fellowship, honoring both the past century and the generations to come.
The program brings together a rich variety of composers, spanning the Baroque period to the modern era, with selections that reflect the timeless nature of the organ and the universal language of sacred music.
Johann Sebastian Bach (1685–1750)
The great master of Baroque counterpoint, Bach’s works remain central to the organ repertoire. His preludes, fugues, and chorales not only showcase the complexity of the instrument but also embody devotion and praise. Bach’s music reminds us that faith and art are deeply intertwined.
Dietrich Buxtehude (1637–1707)
One of Bach’s greatest influences, Buxtehude’s works are filled with bold harmonies and expressive flourishes. His organ pieces combine technical brilliance with spiritual depth, making him a natural choice for a centennial celebration that honors musical heritage.
Leo Sowerby (1895–1968)
Often called the “Dean of American church music,” Sowerby served in Chicago for much of his career. His organ compositions are rich with lyricism, uniquely blending American musical idioms with the traditions of the church. His inclusion reflects both our Midwestern roots and the broader American church experience.
Arthur Sullivan (1842–1900)
Best known as half of the beloved team Gilbert & Sullivan, Arthur Sullivan also wrote sacred works and organ music that combine English lyricism with devotional power. His music reminds us of the breadth of the organ’s role, from solemn worship to joyous song.
Charles-Marie Widor (1844–1937)
A towering figure in French Romantic organ music, Widor is renowned for his Symphony for Organ, especially the dazzling Toccata from Symphony No. 5. His compositions are grand, jubilant, and celebratory — perfect for marking a milestone of this magnitude.
Aaron Copland (1900–1990)
A quintessential American composer, Copland’s works bring a distinctively modern voice to sacred and concert music. Known for pieces that capture the openness of the American spirit, his inclusion bridges faith with the cultural landscape of the last century.
Johannes Brahms (1833–1897)
One of the great Romantic composers, Brahms wrote organ chorales that combine deep expressivity with reverence. His works remind us of the organ’s capacity for both quiet reflection and profound grandeur.
William Underwood
A contemporary composer whose music continues the tradition of organ excellence, Underwood’s contributions reflect how the organ remains a living, evolving voice of the church. His works bring freshness and immediacy, reminding us that sacred music is always being renewed.
Jacob Narverud (b. 1986)
A modern composer celebrated for his accessible and expressive works for choirs and organ, Narverud represents the continuing vibrancy of sacred music today. His inclusion honors the reality that the centennial is not simply about looking back, but also about celebrating a living tradition of worship through music
The Centennial Organ Concert will weave together the voices of these composers, spanning centuries, cultures, and traditions, into one unified offering of praise. The program celebrates the global and local story of faith: from the great cathedrals of Europe to the heart of Oak Park, Illinois.
For one hundred years, the sanctuary of First United Methodist Church has been a place of prayer, praise, and proclamation. The sound of the organ has accompanied baptisms, weddings, funerals, holiday celebrations, and weekly worship, reminding generations that God’s faithfulness endures. This concert is both an act of thanksgiving for all that has been and a hopeful prayer for all that lies ahead.
We invite all — church members, neighbors, friends, and music lovers alike — to join us for this extraordinary event. Whether you are drawn by the historic beauty of the organ, the legacy
Event Links
Tickets: https://go.evvnt.com/3229274-0
Website: https://go.evvnt.com/3229274-2
