RELIGION: Grace Church honors Paul Olson for 20 years of gifted musicianship
Paul Richard Olson was honored on Sunday as he completed his 20th year of service as Organist and Choirmaster of Grace Church Brooklyn Heights.
Olson was saluted during both morning services, with the Rev. Stephen D. Muncie, Rector, saying that he “looks forward to the next 30 years” with Olson. The real surprises came during a champagne brunch following the liturgies.
Jacque Jones, well-known to the neighborhood and a published author of hymn texts, had written a hymn specifically for this occasion. The Grace Church Parish Choir, still in liturgical vestments, led the singing of “As Starlight Warms to Daybreak,” in four-part harmony.
Jones later told the Brooklyn Eagle, “The name of the tune is BRED DINA VIDA VINGAR and it is a Swedish folk tune. [Parish Administrator] Sally Larson approached me a couple of months ago to tell me that this celebration was being planned and to ask me if I would be willing to write something. I was thrilled with how well it was received.”