This poem was written by our former Senior Pastor Dr. William J. Carl III in honor of all organists he's known and especially ones with whom he's worked with including our director of Music & Fine Arts Dr. Jeff McLelland, Allen Pote of Memorial Drive Presbyterian Church, Houston, Tom Froehlich of First Presbyterian Church, Dallas, and George Tutwiler of Pittsburgh Seminary. 

I want you to meet a friend of mine, one I’ve known for a long, long time.
I met this friend when I was young, hoping just to have some fun.
Little did I know back then we’d spend a life together 
Making music for the world no matter what the weather. 
We have learned a thing or two since we first began;
Before I didn’t have a clue of all the things my friend could do until we had a plan.
I had to practice every day to get to know my friend.
And I’ve been practicing ever since so I could comprehend
All the different ways to inspire a human heart;
I want to tell you everything, but I don’t know where to start. 
Let me say simply that stops can help you go 
To places you’ve never been before, and from them to new heights you’ll soar! 
Occasionally, we let humans join us if they’ve been really good,
And if they can remember to sing the notes they should!
When my friend and I merge our voices with the ones the humans make 
The ethereal music we create is almost more than one can take.
My friend has keys that open doors to emotions you have never known
And when I choose the right ones it puts you in the zone.   
The whole experience is almost Godly and those who hear us know
That my friend and I have special ways to set the world aglow! 
 
Copyright © William J. Carl III          April 2020   Maryville, Tennessee