Debut of organ features international performer

MANOR — A performance by internationally recognized organist Christina Harmon will mark the debut of a new organ June 4 at New Sweden Lutheran Church.

The free celebration is 10:30 a.m at 12809 New Sweden Church Road.

The Allen Ox 235 organ is a gift in memory of Howard and Willella Lundgren, church leaders said.

The top-of-the-line electrical instrument will be christened by Harmon with a showcase of arrangements, they added.

Harmon has a storied career as an organist in Texas and across Europe, according to her biographical information.

In the United States, she recently retired as organist and composer-in-residence at Park Cities Baptist Church in Dallas. She also has composed music for Temple Emanu-El, also in Dallas and the largest synagogue in the South, officials said.

In addition, Harmon has taught at Stephen F. Austin University, the University of Texas at Dallas and Dallas Baptist University.

Overseas, she has been invited to play such legendary worship sites as Westminster Abbey in London and Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris, with her arrangement of “Ave Maria, published by Delatour” debuting at the Vatican.

After the June 4 event, Yvonne Creppon will take over the bench.

A native Elgin resident, Creppon was baptized, confirmed and married in New Sweden Lutheran Church, and has been its organist for 58 years.

The church, led by the Rev. Hans J. Lillejord, is often recognized as “the most photographed church in Texas,” with its 104-foot copper patina steeple visible for miles, congregants said.