Last week we learned about the tragic death of choral director, Karen Kennedy. Today we have received news about another choral conductor with Hawaii ties, Noel Crawford Lovelace, who is sadly nearing the end of his life. His son, Marc, wrote on Facebook:

This is an All-Call for any fond memories, good thoughts, and well-wishes for Noël Lovelace as he nears the end of this life. The Hospice Nurse has advised Mom that “It won’t be long now.” He hasn’t had anything to drink or eat in days, and is on pain management and anti-depressants to help ease his fear. Marion (Mom) is a Saint, and is at his side, day and night in these dark times. Dad’s mental state is poor. His dementia keeps him from speaking with Mom, though she labors to give him peace and dignity. Your prayers are appreciated, but Mom is not able to accept in-person visitors at the moment.

If you’re thinking the surname is familiar, it is because Noel’s uncle was composer and organist Austin Lovelace. (Austin C. Lovelace (1919-2010) was called by many the Dean of American Church music. Over many years he worked at a number of Methodist and Presbyterian churches in Colorado, North Carolina, Illinois, and Nebraska.)

Noel retired to Virginia from Central Union Church here in Honolulu. His wife, Marion, is an organist, and after serving Central Union Church, she then became the organist/music director of Sacred Hearts and Pope Pius X (R.C.) churches in Manoa.

Here is a photo of Noel and Marion Lovelace with Joe Pettit.

I do remember Noel coming to the Lutheran Church of Honolulu when Joe Pettit and I presented a Pipeworks program for children. I recall that it was Noel who asked us to give the presentation for the Vacation Bible School children at Central Union Church. You know that picture of the Beckerath organ which I have used over and over? That picture was taken by Noel Lovelace when he attended one of our Pipeworks programs!

In addition to Central Union Church, Noel also had connections with North Carolina Wesleyan College, Appalachian State University (especially the University Singers & Chamber Singers), Myers Park Baptist Church, Indiana University, Wake Forest University, and Stetson University.

[From the Stetson University website: Stetson became one of the really great destinations for undergraduate training in organ performance and we have organ alumni working all over the world.” Stetson’s Beckerath Organ was the first modern encased mechanical-action organ in an American college’s primary performance space, according to Professor Boyd Jones. The Stetson Beckerath is one of Hans-Ulrich Erbsloeh’s clients as is the Lutheran Church of Honolulu.]

Noel, dear friend, may you rest in peace and rise in glory.