Elisabeth “Buffy” Gray was celebrated Jan. 5, 2025, on the occasion of her retirement as Organist and Choirmaster of St. John’s. She has served in the role since 2015.
The Rev. Ed Thornley recognized her contributions to St. John’s during announcements, presenting Buffy and her husband Nick with an icon of St. John the Evangelist, and a copy of ancient music for the Mass of St. John the Evangelist.
For her final service, Buffy chose a personal favorite, “No Small Wonder” by Paul Edwards and Paul Wigmore, for the communion anthem. The entire congregation remained for her postlude, J.S. Bach’s “In dir ist Freude (In Thee is Joy),” and gave her a rousing ovation when she turned the organ off for the last time.
Buffy encouraged the congregation to sing in church. “God loves to hear your voice, even if you don’t!” she quipped.
During Coffee Hour, Buffy was, appropriately, honored in song by the choristers (and alumni) and the adult choir, which each sang a hymn adapted for the purpose.
On Saturday evening, Buffy was feted by both choirs at the Fickes home, and showered with many gifts befitting her vocations and avocations.
Before coming to St. John’s, Buffy served at St. Anne’s in-the-Fields in Lincoln, Mass., and Church of the Redeemer in Chestnut Hill. She also served as Interim Music Director at Christ Church, Cambridge as well as at All Saints, Ashmont. Before moving to Massachusetts, she served as Organist and Choir Director at St. George’s-by-the-River in Rumson, New Jersey.
Brian Locke has been appointed interim organist and choirmaster, starting Jan. 6.
Photos and story by Matthew Ginn
