Dr. Stephen Wilson, Organist/Choir Director
The music component of the Preble Church worship experience has for generations been one our strongest, despite our relatively small size. It became even stronger in 1993, when Dr. Stephen Wilson joined us to serve as organist/choir director. He is a full professor of music at SUNY Cortland, a position he has held for more than 30 years. Dr. Wilson has professional training in voice and often performs as baritone soloist both at Preble Church and at other venues. His master's degree in conducting is from the University of California at Santa Barbara, his doctorate in conducting was granted by Ball State University in Muncie, Indiana.
At SUNY Cortland, Dr. Wilson has taught voice, conducting, and music theory, and conducted The College Singers and The Choral Union. He also serves as musical director for musical shows. In 1992, Dr. Wilson was awarded the prestigious Chancellors' Award for Excellence in Teaching. He has arranged more than sixty works for voice and chorus in English, Spanish, German, Latin and Scottish Gaelic.
Dr. Wilson came to Preble Church in part because of the organ that had just been installed in the sanctuary. A memorial gift from a long-time parishioner, it has continued to serve him and the church well. Shortly after coming to Preble, Dr. Wilson persuaded the church to purchase a digital piano and an Orchestra Disk Module that is used in many ways, including creating orchestral accompaniments for the choral anthems. This instrument has affectionately been called “The Preble Philharmonic.”
Dr. Wilson considers himself not only the church's leader of its music; he also enjoys his "membership" in the church family.
At SUNY Cortland, Dr. Wilson has taught voice, conducting, and music theory, and conducted The College Singers and The Choral Union. He also serves as musical director for musical shows. In 1992, Dr. Wilson was awarded the prestigious Chancellors' Award for Excellence in Teaching. He has arranged more than sixty works for voice and chorus in English, Spanish, German, Latin and Scottish Gaelic.
Dr. Wilson came to Preble Church in part because of the organ that had just been installed in the sanctuary. A memorial gift from a long-time parishioner, it has continued to serve him and the church well. Shortly after coming to Preble, Dr. Wilson persuaded the church to purchase a digital piano and an Orchestra Disk Module that is used in many ways, including creating orchestral accompaniments for the choral anthems. This instrument has affectionately been called “The Preble Philharmonic.”
Dr. Wilson considers himself not only the church's leader of its music; he also enjoys his "membership" in the church family.
Committee Opportunities
Trustees
Want to be involved in the decision-making of the church? Why not think about becoming a trustee? Trustees serve a 3-year term and may sign up for a second consecutive 3-year term.
Trustees are in charge of the physical care and repair of the church and its properties and are entrusted with its financial affairs. They draw up the budget and supervise the stewardship campaign.
Trustees meet about once a month, must be a member of the church and it helps if you can bring cookies once in a while to the meetings!
Trustees are in charge of the physical care and repair of the church and its properties and are entrusted with its financial affairs. They draw up the budget and supervise the stewardship campaign.
Trustees meet about once a month, must be a member of the church and it helps if you can bring cookies once in a while to the meetings!
Memorial Gifts Committee
These committee members serve a 3-year term, meet a couple of times a year as needed and manage the Memorial Fund. They coordinate with the giver of the gift and the trustees so that the family’s wishes are met. These committee members do not have to be church members.
Board of Christian Education
Volunteers on this Board promote and offer faith and spiritual learning for all members of the church, children to adult. Sunday School meets throughout the year, as does Adult Bible Study, except for a short recess in late summer.
This group produces and directs the Kids’ Christmas Pageant and actively works with the older kids to create intergenerational worship opportunities. The wide age range of our children challenges us to provide meaningful lessons for each level, and to offer hands-on activities that challenge and support the class lessons.
Working with kids and adults is exciting and rewarding, and it’s great fun to see the kids grow in their Christian faith! Members of this board serve three-year terms.
This group produces and directs the Kids’ Christmas Pageant and actively works with the older kids to create intergenerational worship opportunities. The wide age range of our children challenges us to provide meaningful lessons for each level, and to offer hands-on activities that challenge and support the class lessons.
Working with kids and adults is exciting and rewarding, and it’s great fun to see the kids grow in their Christian faith! Members of this board serve three-year terms.
Board of Deacons
Supporting the pastor with the spiritual and worship needs of the church, the deacons play an active role. The deacons open and close the church on Sundays and prepare the sanctuary for worship. Duties include service ministries such as greeting, reading scripture, providing for fellowship hosting, supporting our members and friends through telephone calls, cards, and visits if needed, and preparing for communion.
Not all committee members do everything, because we are called in different ways, but with enough of us on the committee, we accomplish our mission! Members serve for three years with unlimited term renewals.
Not all committee members do everything, because we are called in different ways, but with enough of us on the committee, we accomplish our mission! Members serve for three years with unlimited term renewals.
Board of Missions
Annette Benson has been Mission chair for several years. She presents a mission call each Sunday during worship, and works throughout the year with volunteer helpers.
You can volunteer to help Annette in many different ways and on individual projects, such as the Crop Walk, Rt. 81 Fundraiser, Food Pantry gift bags and others.
You can volunteer to help Annette in many different ways and on individual projects, such as the Crop Walk, Rt. 81 Fundraiser, Food Pantry gift bags and others.