A Note from the Interim Organist René Milam

Dear Choir,

As you know, Saint James has hired a new music director/organist who will begin on July 11, 2022.  My employment contract with Saint James as its interim organist was extended from June 5 to July 10, 2022, at the request of Father Ben.  So, my last day serving as your interim organist will be July 10, 2022.

I truly have enjoyed working with you for the past 14 plus months and serving the Lord through Saint James’ music ministry as your interim organist.  It is amazing how the Holy Spirit works.  Who would have thought that when my husband, Rev. Henry, attended a joint service of First Baptist Church and Saint James Episcopal Church in September 2019, he would have met Jesse, your former music director, and Father Ben, your rector?  Who would have thought that Jesse would have opened the opportunity for me to practice on the organ at Saint James?  Who would have thought that in early 2020, Jesse would have approached me with the opportunity and set up the logistics for me to serve as an interim organist at Saint James with Father Ben’s approval, as Jesse was leaving for an opportunity to serve as the music director/organist at another Episcopal Church in Texas?  Who would have thought that Jesse would have asked me first to substitute for him on April 19, 2020 (the Sunday before his last service at Saint James on April 26, 2020)?  Who would have thought that the COVID-19 pandemic would intervene and that it would be 12 months later before Father Ben would contact me in April 2021 to determine my continued interest and availability to serve as interim organist when Saint James began to reopen for in-person worship services?

In addition to Jesse and Saint James, I am very grateful to Father Ben for giving me the opportunity to serve as your interim organist.   It has been a blessing to work with such dedicated choristers throughout this COVID-19 pandemic despite the challenges of providing music during a pandemic.

I pray that God will lead and bless Saint James, and its new music director/organist.  I also look forward to continuing my service to God as a permanent part-time organist at another church through its music ministry

God bless and keep the faith.

With love in Christ,

René
=====

René P. Milam
Interim Organist
Saint James Episcopal Church

‍