Editor’s note: As part of the music series we have looked at the George Stevens organ, concerts, and organists, with an interview with Brad. We will conclude this week with the choir. I have asked Roger Key for his memories of his life in music and in particular the St. Peter’s Choir
"I have loved music all my life. As a young boy I use to stay up at nights listening to the transistor radio. When a teen I asked Santa for a car stereo system before I had a car for it to go in. My music preferences changed often therefore not necessarily following any one type. I bore easily and most of time will change the song on a radio before it ever finishes.
"When I was young and an acolyte at a Methodist Church, my mom sang in the choir. And still does to this day.
"When my wife Eunice and I was visiting churches near our home outside of Richmond, I was awe struck by the choir at St Peters United Methodist Church because the way the sanctuary was situated they stood directly facing the congregation and they truly enjoyed what they were doing. I couldn’t resist and eventually joined.
"I had help from the pastor who at times stood next to me to help with the notes since I couldn’t read the music. The choir consisted of about 20 people and I was blessed to experience moving into a beautiful new constructed sanctuary before we moved from the area.
"I was seated at the end of the top row and my son was an acolyte who sat in a chair next to me where I passed life savers over to him during service.
"We were a busy choir and did specials at nursing homes and shopping malls on the Holidays. Then I branched out and became part of a men’s group that sang at other churches and places.
"When looking to build a home near Port Royal I had talked to Milt Cary and the subject came up about churches and choirs when he told me that he sang with St Peters Choir in Port Royal. This struck interest.
"Then one Sunday Mike Newman asked me if I was willing to Join St Peters Choir if he did. I’m not real fond of the Episcopal Hymnal but agreed anyway. Mike and I joined the choir after Ron Woodruff passed away leaving only Helmut, Nancy, and Crystal.
"Denise was our organist/director then. She did a great job and stickler on pronunciations.
"The total number of years that I have sung in a church choir is about 10 years.
"Our future…..Since we are limited in number I see more involvement with other churches in Port Royal sharing our music as a larger unified group at events within the community and possibly beyond."