Former choir members honored West Auburn Congregational Church organist Charles Marshall recently. From left in front are Judy Spofford Sargent, Donna Murphy Haley, Alice Eastman, Charles Marshall, Diana Jones, Jeanne Packard and Bobbie Packard; second row, Becky Gould, Jane Berry Harlow, Ann Schoppe Locourse and Peggy Schoppe Tucker; third row, Barbara Doten, Mary Schoppe Buker, Paula Lord McNally and Mary Spofford King; back, Susan Ference, George Buker, Christina Doten, Mary Elwell Goss and Helen Elwell Clifford.

Past choir members honor organist

AUBURN – Charles Marshall, West Auburn Congregational Church organist, was recently honored by his former choir members from the 1940s-1970s.

It was Marshall’s 80th birthday and his 63rd year as the organist with the church. The event was planned by Mary Schoppe Buker and Mary Spofford King, who contacted past choir members.

Spofford King incorporated the name “Charlie’s Angels” into T-shirts for the former members to wear, and Marshall was presented with his shirt from 19 choir members who came from all over the state, New Hampshire and Connecticut.

A special birthday song was sung by the women and one male choir member, with arrangements by Judy Spofford Sargent.

Each choir member paid a special tribute to Marshall during the church service, telling how he influenced their lives and of his dedication to the church and his music. He received cards, letters and gifts and two birthday cakes.

A reception followed in the church vestry.

Marshall requested that choir members sing for him and the congregation.

The original members of the junior choir in 1947 present were J. Sargent, A. Eastman, M. King, M. Goss and H. Clifford.