HILL MEMORIAL
CONCERT
Ten years ago, 1993, Betty Clare Balmer, Patty Jo Caploe and Jim Hill,
children of John and Esther Hill, set up the annual Hill Memorial Concert
series to honor the memory of two very special people, their parents.
The autumn concerts were to be classical and sacred music with a strong
emphasis on Bach. (Esther Hill's last request on her own memorial.)
The memorial fund finances the guest artists each year, and the free-will
offering taken at the concert goes directly into a designated music
account to be used by the music department. No additional funds are
to be taken from the general budget of the church.
John and Esther Bottorff Hill were part of the group founding Longview
and among the earliest members of the Longview Community Church. Reverend
Ed Gebert married them and each of their children. John sang in the
church choir for decades and often was song leader at community events
with Esther, the pianist. Esther, crippled by polio From early childhood,
taught piano to hundreds of Longview children in her home studio on
Nichols Boulevard. She was widely recognized for her teaching.
The pastor, music director and the worship committee oversee all the
aspects of the concert series. The chairman is approved by the music
director, pastor and worship committee. Dolphine Mack and Velma Noteboom
carried the first three-year chairmanships and Betty Smith became chairman
in 1997.
The following is a list of the performers in the series as of 2003:
J. Melvin Butler, Jonas Nordwall, and Edward Hansen, all organists;
Jan Anderson,
vocalist; Cantabile, a Portland vocal group; The Providence Point String
Quartet from Seattle; Charlotte A. Pistor, soprano from Austria; the
Oregon Repertory Singers; the two-piano team of Jill Timmons and Judith
Cohen; Dr. David Dahl, organist from PLU in Tacoma; and Dr. Walter Saul,
composer and pianist from Fresno Pacific University.
The free-will offerings from this series have purchased audio equipment,
recording equipment, guest instrumentalists, synthesizer module, and
refurbished the bell choir tables, to list a few of the items that have
enhanced the music program of the church.
It is the desire of the Hill family and the church music department
that this series of concerts give to our community a variety of sacred
and classical music that enrich our everyday lives.
Betty Smith
PROPERTY IN REVIEW
We have such a beautiful facility! But with an 80 year old building,
there is always something that needs attention. We are also blessed
to have many talented, generous folks who help keep things running.
Most recently we have had the windows replaced in the Fireside Room,
the security apartment has been renovated into our new Museum and Gift
Shop and an additional counseling room has been renovated. We are all
enjoying the beautiful, peaceful Memorial Garden. Our biggest projects
in the near future are replacing some outside doors and the elevator
installation.
Dennis Som
Dr. Wendell Kirkpatrick, Neal's brother, who was chairman of the building committee helped to plan and build a fine new rehearsal room. The choir loft was remodeled as the organ was enlarged to accommodate the talent of Donald Hartwell.
The repertoire was expanded to include patriotic music. First the “Union of the Civil War" then both sides with orchestrations, again, by Irvin Gattiker. Then came the performance of "Elijah" with Baritone, Tom Frost. Next the poignant WW I music with audience participation (also on Portland TV.). The local audience expanded and the RA Long High School Auditorium was rented. The choir marched in to the tune of "Johnny Get Your Gun" and climbed the stage risers in time for, "The Yanks Are Coming!!" John McClelland, Sr. remarked it was THE most inspiring musical occasion he had ever experienced.
Dr. Neal's secrets to success of the music program were:
- ask God to bless their efforts
- attend sessions where thrilling inspirational music could be carefully selected
- have Irv Gattiker write dramatic instrumental parts for many great anthems
- plan numerous applause filled concerts busy and happy choir
- treat audiences & choir with rearrangements of familiar music example: A fanfare of trumpets followed by an all brass interval added excitement to "The Messiah" with a thrilling Allelujah processional - then the audience standing to join the choir with "0 Come All Ye Faithful" accompanied by a masterful orchestral arrangement by Irv.
Dr. Neal's "Interim" extended 45 years - seventy "Messiah" Christmas concerts - 30 other concerts - 1500 worship services. His baton was then turned over to a musical genius, Dr. David deVidal, master organist, composer, arranger, choir director, conductor and performer, who is keenly admired and appreciated. He gives Dr. Neal the joy of leading the summer choir in the month of July.
We have such a beautiful facility! But with an 80 year old building, there is always something that needs attention. We are also blessed to have many talented, generous folks who help keep things running. Most recently we have had the windows replaced in the Fireside Room, the security apartment has been renovated into our new Museum and Gift Shop and an additional counseling room has been renovated. We are all enjoying the beautiful, peaceful Memorial Garden. Our biggest projects in the near future are replacing some outside doors and the elevator installation.
Dennis Som
TRUSTEES
The Trustee Committee of Longview Community Church is 50 years old this
year. It was formed in 1953 when Guy Anderson, Sr. donated property on
Cedar Gates to the church. He wanted to be sure that his gift, and others,
was carefully managed. The Trustees continue to manage gifts of cash,
real estate (like the Francis & Nellie Clark Tree Farm), securities
and even burial sites. Income from these gifts have made funding possible
for 52 persons to date, who have focused on preparing for Christian work
in our local area, and indeed, world wide. Funds have also supported many
workshops, conferences, summer interns, youth camps, MOPS, and much more.
We are pleased to be able to make funds available when there is a proven
need. We welcome your input and your continued support.
Dave Grocott
Trustees Committee
WOMEN'S FELLOWSHIP
The women's group of the Longview Community Church was organized in 1923
and was called The Ella Long Ladies Aid Society. All women of the church
were members and in 1930, the group was renamed, Women's Assembly. In
1982 it was once again renamed, Women's Fellowship. Eight circles were
organized in 1923 and 5 more were added from 1924 - 1926.
Throughout the years, the circles' decreased. There are currently 5 active
circles with membership slowly increasing once again. Margie Botten is
the current President of Women's Fellowship.
This group of faithful women serve the Sunday coffee hours, hold bazaars,
bake sales and use their circle dues to pay for dishwashers, kitchen supplies,
etc. They have purchased 3 room dividers for the church and continue to
help properties by contributing money to refinish the outside church doors,
purchasing a big screen TV, redecorating rooms, outside lighting, etc.
Through the years they have provided baby sitting. Alma Weber, a longtime
member, worked in the church nursery for 50 years.
Women's Fellowship helps out as needs arise in the church.
Margie Noteboom Botten
THE
COMMUNITARIAN
Publisher. . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . .. History Committee
Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . RubyAnderson
Contributing Staff. . . . . . . . . . .. . Karen Pickett, Shirley Gilliland,
Odetta Yeager, Betty Anderson, Verian Potter Runnells, Doris James, Lorra
Piper, Sandy Roundtree, Mildred Miller
Printer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Elaine
Steege
LONGVIEW COMMUNITY CHURCH STAFF
Dr.
John Williams. . Sr. Pastor
Rev. Mary Ross. . Interim Assoc. Pastor
Rev. Shawn Church. . Youth Director
Lisa Som ..Dir. Of Children's Ministries
John McClelland. .Administrator
Elaine Steege. .. Administrative Assistant
Rosalie Gorley. Bookkeeper
DennisSom . .Custodian
Dr. David de Vidal. .. Music Director
Dr. Stephen Meharg. . Lay Counselor Superv.
Dr. Harlan Gilliland. . Pastor Emeritus
Numerous Volunteers