St. Paul UCC organist's 50th anniversary celebrated

On Sunday, May 15, St. Paul United Church of Christ in Staunton held a Celebration of Music worship service in honor of Dennis Stiegemeier's 50th anniversary as church organist. Every part of the service was musical featuring the following instrumentalists: Matt Bittles, trumpet; Brian Lotter, flute and saxophone; Victor Buehler III, piano, and Kaliana Buehler, clarinet. Dennis and his grandson, Griffin Stiegemeier, performed a special piano duet. Vocalists included Richard Walker, Drew Stiegemeier, Elijah Nickson and Pastor Debbie. The chancel choir and the handbell choir provided music accompanied by Matt Bittles on trumpet. Both choirs were recognized for their dedicated musical contributions to the church. The congregation surprised Dennis by recognizing his 50th anniversary as church organist, a position he began at the age of 14. Throughout the past 50 years, Dennis has also played for numerous weddings and funerals in almost every church in town. He coordinates the annual Community Christmas Concert each December along with choir director, Ryan Pirok. Additionally, he continues to accompany numerous students as they perform at the school solo and ensemble contests. The Congregation presented Dennis with a gift honoring his years of service and held a reception in his honor. The Chancel Choir and Handbell Choirs also presented a gift. Both Ryan and Dennis were honored with an organ pipe "adopted" in their name. Currently, the church is in the midst of an Adopt-a-Pipe campaign to raise funds for the refurbishment of the pipe organ. Persons may adopt a pipe in memory of, or in honor of a loved one for $40 per pipe. A number of people chose to honor Dennis by adopting pipes in his honor. Anyone wishing to send a congratulatory card to Dennis may send it in care of St. Paul UCC, 225 S. Laurel Street, Staunton, IL 62088. Donations to the Adopt-a-Pipe may also be sent to the same address.