Longtime music director set to retire

On May 31, Avon Lake Presbyterian Church, 32340 Electric Blvd., will bid a sad, but fond, farewell to their beloved longtime music director, Muriel Homer.

Muriel became the director of music in 1965, just eight years after the church was constructed.

She has served continuously since that time under a series of pastors and interim pastors.

Previously a music teacher at three of Avon Lake’s elementary schools, Muriel brought with her substantial expertise as a pianist.

As Avon Lake Presbyterian Church grew and added an organ, she rose to the occasion by expanding her skills, and became a proficient organist as well.

A key figure in the lives of innumerable church members’ milestone life events, Muriel provided music for weddings, memorials, celebrations of life, and a variety of other occasions.

Muriel displayed a keen aptitude for the selection of music appropriate to the liturgical calendar, and skillfully added a variety of instrumental accompaniments to the church’s choral music.

She was a staple of Christmas Eve. and Easter services, where she devoted hours to preparation, rehearsals and the worship experience.

Muriel recognized and harnessed the gifts and talents of her various musicians, all to the benefit of the church’s music program.

The congregation plans to honor her with a series of COVID-19 appropriate events, and a future in-person gathering when permissible.

While the entire congregation will miss her dearly, the choir and bell ringers will experience the deepest sense of loss.

Her greatest legacy will be the memories with which she leaves them, and the joyful stories that they will share well into the future.

Homer