Recognition of the gifts of Iola benefactor Tom Bowlus will continue this weekend.
Ron Baker will perform an organ recital at 2 p.m. Sunday at Wesley United Methodist Church on an organ donated by Bowlus.
Baker, chief executive officer at Allen County Regional Hospital, studied as a youth under Marjorie Gard, a former longtime area piano teacher.
Baker, 58, began taking lessons in 1970 on the organ at Wesley United.
Bowlus also provided an organ for First Presbyterian Church, across the street.
Baker said his parents always made sure to have money for his music lessons.
“I really enjoyed it and it let me dream about the possibilities,” Baker said.
Although he has been playing for years he is quick to claim he is nowhere near the level of a professional.
“I do this as a hobby and it’s a challenge for me,” he said.
Baker said he takes special delight in noting the difference between organs. No two pipe organs are the same, he said.
“You can play the same piece of music on two different organs and it will sound different,” he said.
In the first portion of the performance he will play Bach. The second portion will honor veterans with patriotic samples.
The performance is open to the public. A free will offering will be accepted to fund organ lessons for area youth.
“It’s a real tragedy to have a wonderful gift like this sitting there and children aren’t taking lessons,” he said. “It’s like having a nice Ferrari in the garage and not being able to drive it.”
Baker to perform Bowlus organ recital Sunday
