A Night of Firsts & Favorites at St. John's Episcopal Church in Florence - January 8, 2012

St. John’s Episcopal Church in Florence will present an organ concert by William Douglas on Sunday, January 8 at 6:00 p.m.  “A Night of Firsts and Favorites” is a prelude to the seventh annual Epiphany Concert Series which opens on Sunday, January 15.

William Douglas started playing the piano at age five under the instruction of Barbara S. Lawrimore, and began organ studies in 2010 under the tutelage of Dr. Keith Taylor, director of music at Trinity United Methodist Church in Darlington.  William has served as organist at Mizpah Baptist Church and pianist at Oakdale Baptist Church.  Currently serving as the Music Ministry intern at St. John’s, William plays for Sunday services and works with the adult and children’s choirs.  Demonstrating composition and improvisational skills, he has written several choral and organ pieces.  The concert audience will hear samples of each.

Friend and mentor Robin Lawrimore commented that “William has been walking through open doors of opportunity in school, ROTC, church, and music, being taught and playing with the best musicians in our area.  The results are fruitful as seen in his growing maturity and increased ability on piano and organ. …In the churches he has served, William has often been found encouraging new styles of church music that has brought about a new-found depth of praising the Lord.”

Lawrimore went on to note that though William has been “faced with challenges from an early age, God has made visible the gifts for music, leadership, and vision that He deposited into William long ago.  Like a diamond in the rough, this young man has worked hard, enjoyed life and family, and is ready for wherever His Lord leads him.”

William is a senior at Wilson High School, where he fulfills the duties of ROTC Commander.  In addition to Barbara Lawrimore and Dr. Keith Taylor, he lists among his instructors and advisors William Rauh (former organist, First Baptist Church), William B. Mills (choirmaster-organist, Central United Methodist Church), Dr. Benjamin Woods (former conductor, Florence Symphony), and Tammy Williams (minister of music, St. John’s Episcopal Church). 

After completion of his high school studies, William plans to seek a degree in Organ Performance.  Lawrimore shares that “his first priority is to follow God’s plan for his life for he realizes that doing what he was created to do flows out of knowing his God.”

The slate for the 2012 Epiphany Concert Series is as follows: Drs. Cliff Leaman and Joseph Rackers (saxophone and piano), January 15; Fire Pink Trio (harp, viola, flute), January 22; Dr. Julia Harlow (organ), January 29; Drs. Paolo and Danijela Žeželj-Gualdi (piano and violin), February 12; Carolina Brass, February 19.  All concerts begin at 6:00 p.m.  Organ concerts are held in the church; all others are in the parish hall.  There is no charge for the concerts, but donations are appreciated.  Light refreshments will be provided.  St. John’s is located at 252 S. Dargan Street in Florence.  Parking is available behind the church.

The title of the concert series reflects the current season of the Church Year.  “Epiphany Season” is the name given to that period of time between the end of the Christmas Season (January 6) and the beginning of Lent (Ash Wednesday on February 22).  The word ‘epiphany’ means ‘manifestation’.  The Gospel stories of this season describe various events that manifest the divinity of Jesus, such as the coming of the Magi, the baptism of Jesus, the wedding at Cana, the calling of the disciples, and various miracles and teachings of Jesus.