When I moved to this area from Washington State in September 1985, I left the position of Organist-Choirmaster of St. Timothy’s Church, Yakima. My successor was a young Lutheran lady who immediately began making plans for Reformation Sunday. She was surprised when the rector informed her, “We don’t observe Reformation Sunday, because we’re only half reformed.” So it is in every Episcopal church I know (and far be it from me to object). But on October 29, our Protestant friends will celebrate the 500th anniversary of the Reformation. It is an ideal time for us to sing Martin Luther’s most famous hymn, “A mighty fortress,” which has long appeared in Anglican hymnals, and even Roman Catholics have been glad to sing since Vatican II.
Luther not only wrote the words but composed the music, and we shall use his original form, which I hope you will agree is actually rather jazzy and, once you get used to it, more exciting and fun than the regular rhythm popularized by Bach.
Paul Emmons, Organist
Church of the Holy Apostles 