Organized by Susie Mahnke of Foothills Music Club, the upcoming organ concert (March 13 at 3 p.m.) at The Episcopal Church of the Holy Cross in Tryon, promises to offer an audience multiple opportunities for enjoyment.
Five popular area organists from five different churches – Cecilia England, John Gardner, Susie Mahnke, Diane Pickens and Meryt Wilson – will perform. The Foothills Music Chorale is also on the program.
Organists are performing on Holy Cross’s robust organ, rebuilt in 1994-5 by John Dower, Lincolnton, NC.
“It is the largest organ in the Polk County area,” said organist Diane Pickens.  “The instrument’s size allows for a large number of stops or a full variety of sound possibilities and this allows the organist to realize the musical intentions of the composer.”
The performance venue, The Holy Cross sanctuary, has a history beginning in 1899. The present church structure, built in 1953, is a unique example of local craftsmanship, Gothic architecture, and exquisite glasswork.
The exterior stone was cut and laid on site by local masons, and a piece of walnut resembling an angel hangs above the crossing area.
The stained glass windows are the work of the famous Wilet Stained Glass Studios, a century-old, state-of-the-art architectural glass studio, whose work appears in fine historic buildings across the nation.
With inspired music, played by talented musicians, upon a special instrument, in a historic church, the organ concert at Holy Cross is free and open to the public.