EDITOR’S NOTE: I realized that this post was sitting in my Drafts for several years (!), and now is a perfect opportunity to publish it. Sorry it took me so long!

When is the last time you walked into a church and saw any sort of memorial tribute to an organist? Oh, I’ve walked into parish halls or conference rooms where I’ve seen portraits of all the ministers of a church, but as for organists? It’s pretty much of “nada” — no such thing.

In Europe, though, it’s not so uncommon to see a listing of the organists who have served, and look at this memorial to Heinrich Schütz at the Kreuzkirche in Dresden:

For the last two weeks, Jieun Kim Newland has not only been the substitute organist at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church—she has also filled in at Nu‘uanu Congregational Church where I succeeded her as the organist in 2020. Initially I hadn’t asked her to do my two church jobs, but then when my regular substitute at Nuuanu, Daryl Akamichi, got sick, she was happy to do both jobs.

There is a plaque right next to the organ console, which pays tribute to “Aunty Leila.” Here’s what I found out about her on the internet:

Martha was a spouse of Charles Henry Kaohuleilehuaopanaewa Kiaha, they were married around or about 1948, their known children are per Obituary listed below.

Born: April 5, 1927
Died: January 16, 2006

OBITUARY:

Martha “Aunty Leila” Kiaha: Newspaper Obituary and Death Notice
Garden Island, The (Līhu’e, HI) – Wednesday, February 1, 2006
Deceased Name: Martha “Aunty Leila” Kiaha
Martha “Aunty Leila” Kaumakaokalani Hohu Kiaha of Honolulu and formerly of Kaua‘i, died Jan. 16, 2006, in Honolulu.

Born on April 5, 1927, in Honolulu, she was an organist, choral arranger and director for many community organizations, choirs and churches. She arranged many songs for the annual Kamehameha Schools Song Contest for years. Shortly before her death, she was presented with the Na Hoku Hanohano Lifetime Achievement Award while in the hospital.

She is survived by sons: Charles “Anu” Makanui Rider-Kiaha of California, Gregg Kealoha Kiaha of Kaua‘i, Mark Erdman “Pu‘ukapu” Kiaha of Honolulu and Daniel “Danny” Hoakahilani Kiaha of Honolulu; daughter, Marthalei “Bootie” Ululani Kiaha-Osakoda of Kaua‘i; nine grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

Visitation will be from noon to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 4, at the Kamehameha Schools, Bernice Pauahi Bishop Memorial Chapel, service at 3 p.m. Private scattering of ashes will be done at a later date. Aloha attire is suggested, lei are welcome.

Arrangements are being handled by Nuuanu Memorial Park & Mortuary.

By the way, you might not know that the Lutheran Church of Honolulu paid tribute to Carl Crosier with this plaque on the organ: