Maestros of Ministry: Their Legacy in the Department of Music and Worship

DAVID MATSON |  5 Organ, and Music in Worship. Before Cedarville had an official Christian Ministries Division, the Music Depart- ment supplied all of the music for both Chapel and touring ministries. One of Matson’s first distinctions came as Direc- tor of the College Choir. Before he joined the Faculty, the Choir had experienced nine directors in as many years. In one of those years, following a performance at a church, the struggling choir received word from the pastor informing the group that they were not good enough to ever invite back. When Matson heard about that incident, he asked the pastor if he could bring his choir back for another chance. The pastor conceded and after the concert, the pastor told Matson, “You can bring your choir here anytime you want.” Obviously, a success under Matson’s baton! When he came as a faculty member, Matson noted that the department was “pretty limited.” As Chair, he recognized this need as a priority. Matson first focused on getting some “good people” and that became the leverage for him to advocate for better facilities. He often met with the business manager and the academic dean, advocating the urgent needs of the Department. Ultimately, Matson understood the impact of good people coming together and sought to make this a reality in the Department. During Matson’s first years, the Department lacked a centralized location. Ambassador Hall held the Chair’s office, had a music classroom upstairs, and a piano studio in the front. Alford Hall across the street was the venue for both Chapel and recitals. Practice rooms were across campus in Milner Hall. When the College Library that had been in the basement of the current Fine Arts Build- ing (and former Carnegie Library) moved to Milner in 1968, the space became available for the Music Depart- ment. In the early 1980s, Winger Practice Modules were built into the basement. Though far from soundproof, these were a welcome addition. Once the Annex was added to Alford, that became the home of our grow- ing instrumental area. Eventually, too, the Department acquired some spinet pianos, a few grand pianos, a large movable cart with tape deck and LP player that could be moved from classroom to classroom, and even a set of handbells.