Alyce Meine Nichols: Home Page
Page Twelve see WHAT THE CRUSADER Says About Saturday, April 13, 1985
By Theodore Charles Stone
The afternoon of Music celebrating more than fifty years in the music field, honored Mrs. Alyce Lavinia Nichols as organist and teacher, was a grand event held in the spacious auditortum of Eighth Church Scientist, 44th and Michigan Ave. on Sunday, March 31.
The event was held in comemoration of Mrs. Nichols' retirement as organist the Christian Science Church, a position she held for over forty years. A large and most responsive audience including outstanding musicians, misic lover throughout Chicago made up the audience.
the participants on the hour long program of worship and praise included Horace MaAfee, Bernard Johnson, Clarice S. Jackson, Prine Marshall and John A. Martin (the honoree's son), all organists. Vocallist heard were James Lipscome, tenor; Joseph Sheridan, baritone; Sharon Hamilton, soprano; Theodore Charles Stone, baritone and Williamatta Moore, mezzo soprano, the regular soloist at Eighth Church.
Serving as the presenter was Charles Brown, acting First Reader of the Church. Amidst the appropriately selected music of the performers dedication to Mrs. Nichols, three gloriously sung hymns allowed the audience to share in the celebration. The audience was also invited to join the refrain when Sheridan sang the very beautiful "How Great Thou Art."
The opening hymn, Martin Luther's "All Power is Given Unto Our Load" was led by Stone and Mrs. Moore led "From Glory Unto Glory" and "Father We Thy Loving Children" (on the Beethoven melody), ending the celebration.
McAffee was at the organ console when Sheridan sang.
Culminating the occassion was the performnce of the "Lady of of the Hour," Mrs. Nichols, when she performed J.S. Bach's "Prelude in D Minor"; "Dear Lord and Father of Mankind" by Van Denam Thompson. At the conclusion of Mrs. Nichols' brilliant performance, the audience gave her a standing ovation which lasted sevaral moments.
In her quiet dignified manner, she bowed to the throng and later joined the waited croed at a reception held at the Bethel Parish House, 4448 S. Michigan Ave.
When Mrs. Nichols and her party arrived at the reception she was given a rousing welcome by the crowd. Refreshments were served by heavily laden tables of food, punch and cake prepared by the recetion committee.
In the role of master of ceremonies, Theodore Charles Stone, who had sung earlier at the musical, gave highlights of the distingulshed career of Mrs. Nichols, tracing her musical beginning and her study as well as accomplishments. He also presented members of the honoree's family including Mrs. Zephyr Craddock, a daughter, Harold Martin, a son, Robert Monroe, a grandson and John A. Martin, her eldest son.
Presentations from the church where Mrs. Nichols served as organist, including the Sunday School, the Board of Directors, the Chicago Music Assocation and other individuals and groups were made.
A poem written by Mildred E. Johnson, in appreciation of the honoree, was read also at this point. A scroll which had been signed by those attending the tribute was presented along with flowers and other momentoes to Mrs. Nichols.
The committee included Mrs. Louise Smith, chairman; LaMar Adams, Charles Brown, Mrs. Anna M. Burrel, Mrs. Craddock, Mrs. Thelma De Broe, Mrs. Felicia B. Ford, Mrs. Viola Gulce, Prince Marshall, John A. Martin and Mrs. Henrietta Meredith.
Reception For ALYCE LAVINIA MEINE NICHOLS
TO CELBRATE HER SERVICE OF OVER 50 YEARS IN
THE MUSIC FIELD AS AN ORANIST AND TEACHER.
Bethel Parish House
4448 S. Michigan Avenue
Chicago, Illinois
Sunday, March 31, 1985 - 4:30 P.M.
Marter of Ceremonies: Theodore Charles Stone
Presentations: Ethel Minns Lucus
Louise J. Smith
Remarks
RECEPTION COMMITTEE
Mrs. Louise Smith, Chairman
Mr. Lamar Adams
Mr. Charles Brown
Mrs. Anna M. Burrell
Mrs. Zephyr Craddock
Mrs. Thelma DeBroe
Mrs. Felicia B. Ford
Mrs. Viola Guice
Mr. Prince Marshall
Mr. John A. Martin
Mrs. Henrietta Meredith
REVERBERATE!
Sound out!
O mighty voice
of this majestic organ.
Peal out!
In tones so bright, so pure,
so clear and true.
Ring out!
O instrument of victory,
Give out as other spite of effort
cannot do!
Pour out!
With highs and lows
of lovely pristine splendor.
Sing out!
The glory of our mighty God,
A halleelujah to the Christ in Jesus,
who as a lowly messenger
this earth trod.
Praises to the servant
of His bidding
Who in her own majestic
humble way,
Has spanned her lifetime
to the orga giving
Credence to the wonder
of His way!
With love and appreciation
To Mrs. Alyce L. Meine Nichols
by Mildred D. Johnson