Organist Elisabeth “Buffy” Gray retires

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.

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Photos and story by Matthew Ginn

From the Rector: Buffy Gray to retire

Dear friends,

This week, I write to you to announce that our magnificent and profoundly gifted organist and choirmaster, Elisabeth “Buffy” Gray, has announced her retirement. Buffy will be serving among us until the new year, and her final Sunday in the parish will be The Feast of The Epiphany on January 5th 2025.

Buffy has served our community faithfully since 2015. As organist and choirmaster, she has brought not only a wealth of expertise and skill, but a joy, spirituality and pastoral attentiveness which has made her work here a true ministry. Buffy is a consummate musician, who has developed our choral program for adults and young choristers with exceptional care. She has taught, guided, and performed with meticulous attention to detail and with an authentic adoration for liturgical music and for God. This has indeed made St. John’s a place where congregations can truly worship God in the beauty of holiness. Our adult choir leads weekly worship gloriously, and our choristers are blessed with such a beautiful introduction to the world of church music. Buffy has also, in the process, maintained and cherished our instruments with precision and the highest regard, which will enable our parish to continue sharing in such wonderful, worshipful music for years to come.

At this time, we therefore also find ourselves at the beginning of another period of discernment and prayerful reflection. In conversation and collaboration with Buffy, Jody Jones Turner, our Senior Warden, and Perrie O’Tierney-Ginn, our Junior Warden, I have begun to contemplate and research the pathways we might take as we begin to consider who Buffy’s worthy successor might be. It is my intention to form a search committee, so that we may begin to research all the possible eventualities and soon begin the process which will lead to calling our new organist and choirmaster. I will certainly keep you all posted as this journey develops.

In the meantime, on behalf of the Wardens, Vestry, and our entire congregation and community, let us congratulate Buffy on her upcoming retirement, and give thanks for all her many gifts, with which she will continue to bless us in the coming months. Indeed, plans for more formal thanksgivings and celebrations will be shared in due course.

With every prayer, blessing, and incredible gratitude,

Father Ed.

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A note from Buffy

Dear Friends in Christ,

After much consideration over the past year, I have decided that the time has come for me to retire from my position as Organist-Choirmaster at St. John’s. It will be very hard to leave after nearly ten years of fulfilling ministry and deep connections with so many of you. I have learned, however, that life is short. I am so ready to spend more time with my family and friends. I look forward to devoting more of my days to my non-musical passions of birding, hiking, and wildlife conservation.

I plan to continue working through Christmas and take my leave in early January. During this time, I will enjoy every minute of working with Fr. Ed (who is a gem) and St. John’s wonderful staff and choirs. No need for goodbyes yet, just many thanks for our time together thus far.

Gratefully,

Buffy

Make a joyful noise to the Lord!

Do you like to sing? Fall is a great time to join St. John's Choir. If you can carry a tune, you can sing in the choir. Bonus points if you can read music or have choral experience! All voice parts are welcome, especially tenors and basses. Rehearsals are on Thursday evenings at 7:30. Contact Buffy Gray, Organist-Choirmaster, for more information during coffee hour or by email.

Does your child like to sing? Children in grades 3 through 8 are invited to join St. John's Choristers for musical education through singing and lots of fun. Rehearsals are on Tuesday afternoons at 4:00. Second-graders who are advanced readers and have a long attention span are welcome, too. Contact Buffy Gray, Organist-Choirmaster, for more information during coffee hour or by email.