Join us for the first in-person event of the season. This is an opportunity to enjoy catching up with fellow members. The restaurant serves breakfast and lunch at 10:30 am. The patio, which is heated, is reserved for our group. Heather Rice, our programme convenor, is planning to have musical quiz for us. All are welcome. It’s just a short walk from the Baseline transit station and there is plenty of parking nearby.

Please RSVP by Wednesday, September 11th by Contacting Don Marjerrison at: donald (dot) marjerrison (at) sympatico (dot) ca or tel: 613-724-3793 See you there!

A very special celebration to celebrate the 90^th birthday of our archivist, Larry Kempffer. The evening will begin in the church with some of Larry's favorite hymns, memories and prayers. Larry will speak of his time as the RCCO Archivist. Our Chaplain, Rev. Christine Piper will speak and give Larry a blessing. Then we will go downstairs for a reception with Birthday Cake!

The front door of St. Giles is on Bank St. The church is accessible with a ramp at the First Ave. door and an elevator. OC Transpo bus 6 & 7 stop at the Bank St. door and across the street. See you at the church!

The executive of the Ottawa Centre recently approved a plan to expand our social media presence to promote our events, connect with members and colleagues and promote the organ with the general public. Social media platforms can be intimidating and there are both benefits and risks but it’s too important nowadays to ignore. Many members are using social media already to both promote the organ and to follow and connect with organists around the world. The aim going forward is to harness this existing capacity and build from there.

The aim of the workshop is to offer tips and suggestions for members to participate in our social media strategy in whatever way they might feel comfortable. Perhaps it’s learning to take pictures are events, or link material to the Centre’s social media platforms or how to connect with others in the organ world across the country and world. Form and learn about hashtags, ‘reels’ and ‘stories’, friends and followers and a good dose about social media safety and savvy. If you have a smart phone, bring it. If you have a laptop, bring it as well.

Some on street parking is available and on the west side of of the forecourt of the Supreme Court across the street. The church is close to all public transit options in downtown. The church is easily accessible via an elevator from Kent St. for those who might require assistance.

Members' Recital

The recital will also be a celebration of the restoration of their Rodgers 760 Electronic organ featuring 2 manuals and full pedal board. The recital will have the same format as our Members Recital last year. Please choose a favorite piece or two that you would like to share with other players/ attendees. The Pope has designated 2025 as a Jubilee Year with the theme: Pilgrim of Hope. Your music could reflect themes in keeping with this (Mercy, Love, Prayer, Mary) or can be a piece of your chosing. You may come early, beginning at 12:15 to choose registration and warm up. The recital will begin at 1:45 and finish by 3:30 - confessions followed by Mass begin at 4:00. Please email me, Heather Rice, at gowans978@gmail.com to reserve a spot and tell me what you are going to play. The Divine Infant Knights of Columbus will be serving a buffet breakfast starting at noon for a nominal cost -- no need for McDonalds or Tim Hortons! Divine Infant Parish a young vibrant parish is looking forward to our recital. We greatly appreciate their hosting us. (There will be a small donation box for a freewill offering for their Music Ministry) The Pastor, Fr. Waldemar Podlasz is happy to receive us!

The Kiwanis Music Festival Organ Classes

Although this is not one of our programmes, it does involve many of our organ student members and we are providing $500 in scholarship money to the participants. Come and support our students in recital. There will be five organ students playing in multiple classes. Further informationn can be found on the Kiwanis Music Festival website.

This is your centre. The executive values the feedback received from members. Come out and voice your opinions on what you would like to have your Centre do.

The Annual General Meeting of the Ottawa Centre is our opportunity to conduct the necessary business of the College but also to celebrate the year past and look forward to the coming year. All members are encouraged to attend and participate in decision making and to hear reports of the various convenors and national council representatives.

There is plenty of parking at the back of the church and the hall is air-conditioned.

Recital in honour of David Palmer

Recital by Robert Jones in honour of David Palmer. The recial will be held at St. Stephen's Anglican Church (930 Watson St.) will also feature Jonathan Bayley (flute) who taught at the U of Windsor and sang in David Palmer's choir at All Saints.