Robert Greene, organist

On September 13th , First Church of Monson, 5 High Street, will hold a concert to celebrate the Restoration of the Swell Division of the Johnson, Opus 781, 1892 Organ. The recitalist will be Robert Greene, nationally known organist and composer. The program includes favorite pieces and well-known crowd pleasers that have given Greene joy over the years. He has chosen repertoire that best shows off the capabilities of the historic Johnson Organ. Works will include Toccata and Fugue in D minor, BWV
565; Suite Gothique, Op. 25 by Leon Boellmann; Sonata in C minor; Opus 65 by Felix Mendelssohn; and original composition by Mr. Greene.

Robert Greene received the Bachelor of Music degree from Oberlin College Conservatory of Music where he majored in Piano Performance and Technology in Music and Related Arts. As a missionary for the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church, Greene has taught music to indigenous people in the Huasteca region of Mexico. He received the Master of Arts degree in Theology/Pastoral Music from Colgate Rochester Divinity School and Eastman School of Music. As a church musician, Greene has served congregations as organist and music director in Florida, New York, Tennessee, and Virginia. He has received awards and commissions for his instrumental and choral compositions and is published by Morning Star Music and Saint James Music Press.

The historic Johnson Organ has recently undergone the Restoration of the Swell Division. The work was undertaken by the firm of Messrs. Czelusniak et Dugal, Inc. and included the removal of all wooden racking and expression system components and complete restoration of the Swell Division of the organ. Dust and dirt had accumulated in the Swell Division due to the 2011 tornado and work done in refurbishing the First Church sanctuary. The entire Swell box had to be emptied, evacuated, cleaned and rebuilt from the toe boards up. The project was begun in January, 2025, and completed in May, 2025. First Church is indebted to the Community Preservation Committee and the voters of the Town of Monson for underwriting this extensive project for the benefit of the community.

The concert will be preceded by a baked ham dinner at 5 P.M. in the Fellowship Hall followed by the recital at 7 P.M. in the sanctuary. Dinner and concert tickets of $20.00 may be obtained by contacting Gail at 413 267 4818. Concert tickets will be available at the door at a cost of $5.00. The event is sponsored in part by the Monson Cultural Council, a local agency supported by the MA Cultural Council, a state agency.