DKS
Don Marsh of Avery & Marsh Dead at 86
Posted on: 05/02/2010 08:06
Many of us who grew up in the United Church in the 1960's and 70's were well acquainted with the songs of Avery and Marsh. "I Am the Church, You Are the Church", "Every Morning is Easter Morning" and a joyful version of the Doxology were staples of camps, retreat centers and Sunday worship. Several of their hymns were included in the Hymn Book and, I believe, Songs for a Gospel People. Alas, none of the Avery and Marsh hymns made the cut for Voices United and none are included in More Voices. We are all the poorer for that omission.
Don Marsh passed away at the age of 86 on April 10, 2010 in Santa Fe, NM. He is survived by his partner, Rev. Richard Avery, and one sister. His Presbyterian News service obit is here:
http://www.pcusa.org/pcnews/2010/10363.htm
The full obit is here:
http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/santafenewmexican/obituary.aspx?n=...
A memorial service will be held at Westminster Presbyterian Church, Santa Fe, NM on May 2, 2010.
And the angel choirs are singing.
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DKS
Posted on: 05/02/2010 10:15
Just checked my indices of the Hymn Book and SFGP. No Avery & Marsh hymns were in either book. Sad.
Mendalla
Posted on: 05/02/2010 14:08
I remember singing "I am the church" (fondly, I might add, since it reflected my Christianity well) in my UCC days, but I'm not sure where we got it from if it wasn't in The Hymn Book. Which is odd, because I used it myself in one of the lay-led summer services that I did back in the mid-eighties so you'd think I'd know.
Mendalla
crazyheart
Posted on: 05/02/2010 16:43
it wasin a little camp book or CGIT book.
RevJamesMurray
Posted on: 05/02/2010 18:35
Good hymns stand the test of time, even if they go out of fashion for a while. Avery & Marsh will sing again.
Mendalla
Posted on: 05/02/2010 18:55
Incidentally, while I haven't sung it in years, I actually quoted "I am the church" in my UU fellowship once. The verse that goes:
The church is not a building,
the church is not a steeple,
the church is not a resting place,
the church is a people.
I am the church ...
I believe I was doing some kind of testimonial for out annual pledge blitz (Canvass we call it) and I was making the point that what really matters for me about church is that it is a community of like-minded people.
And, when I was googl'ing the hymn to make sure I had the lyrics right, I found a blog by a UU minister who knew Don Marsh personally and whose life was influenced by Marsh and Rev. Avery.
http://serenityhome.wordpress.com/2010/04/30/donald-s-marsh-composer-mentor-friend/
Mendalla
Pinga
Posted on: 05/02/2010 19:48
I think Whole People of God curriculum might have used it.
seeler
Posted on: 05/05/2010 07:24
I definitely remember singing "I am the church" with the Sunday School and during worship services during the many years that I was involved in Christian Development. I wasn't aware that it didn't make the cut to Voices United. It should have. Not only is it an excellent statement of what the church is, but it is fun to sing.
cfritsche
Posted on: 12/01/2010 20:02
I was blessed with an opportunity to sing at Avery and Marsh's church in Port Jervis, NY at their invitation. They were wonderful and kind people and it was an experience my family and I will always treasure. My prayers are with Don's friends and family. He will be missed.