Last updated September 1, 2023.
Welcome!
Greetings from the Wilmington (North Carolina) Chapter! Founded in 1989, the Wilmington Chapter currently has a growing membership. While the majority of its members live in the greater Wilmington area, the chapter spans a large geographic area that includes southeastern North Carolina and portions of eastern North Carolina.
The Chapter meets monthly September through June. Each meeting includes a program which often is a concert performed by chapter members for the community, a lecture on a topic of interest or a guest artist recital. Many meetings feature a catered meal. The Wilmington chapter prides itself on presenting many concerts and events for the greater community. Many years, chapter members present a Hymn Festival for the Church Year, and a members’ organ recital. In past years, chapter members have also formed the AGO Chamber Choir which performs a concert of the works of a major composer with chamber orchestra.
Historic Wilmington, North Carolina, is located on the Southeastern coast of North Carolina and is home to many fine pipe organs. Builders represented include Austin, Bozeman, Casavant, Estey, Goulding & Wood, Noack, Pilcher, Schantz, E. M. Skinner, Taylor and Boody, and Visser-Rowland.
For more information on the Wilmington Chapter, please contact Justin Smith, Membership Coordinator, at Email.
The mission of the American Guild of Organists is to foster a thriving community of musicians who share their knowledge and inspire passion for the organ.
The vision of the American Guild of Organists is to engage, support, and uplift every organist.
Newsletter
Greetings from the Dean
Dear Chapter Members and Friends,
You are all invited to our first gathering of the 2023-2024 year: a dinner social at the home of our Subdean Bill Weisser. Please plan to come! Details below:
Date & Time: Sunday, September 10th, 2023, 5-8:30pm
Place: Bill Weisser’s home
Bring: salad, bread, or dessert
RSVP no later than: Thursday, September 7th
RSVP to: Nancy Novelly
nnovelly@gmail.com OR 571-340-2607
Bill will provide the main dish (one meat and one vegetarian) and drinks (lemonade, iced tea, water, coffee, wine).
Bill asks that we park at his neighborhood clubhouse, one short block from his house. If you’d like, you may pull up to his house to deliver the food item you are bringing, then park your car and walk over. There are two or three parking spaces in Bill’s driveway for those who cannot walk. Questions or concerns, please call Bill at 919-812-2986. Thanks everyone, and I hope to see you there!
Please see our full calendar (below) and mark your own calendars with these dates. We look forward to seeing you at some or all of these events. Looking forward to an exciting year!
Nancy Novelly, Dean
Bob Norem has asked how many copies of Hal Hopson’s “Festival of Hymns” members may need to borrow for the October hymn festival. If possible, please include this information with your September social reservation and he will bring the books to the social.
Thanks so much!
(from AGO Headquarters)
An invoice is created for your next membership year. “Renew Dues and Subscriptions” appears on your ONCARD menu. Your status changes to “invoiced not paid” on your chapter’s member roster. A renewal notice is sent from headquarters, either by email or postal mail depending on your preferences.
Two Months Before Your Expiration Date
A second renewal notice is sent from headquarters, either by email or postal mail depending on your preferences.
One Month Before Your Expiration Date
A third renewal notice is sent from headquarters by postal mail.
Two Weeks Before Your Expiration Date
Chapter officers receive notification of all members who have not yet renewed.
Bill Due Date
AGO dues payments are due on the last day of the month before expiration.
Expiration Date: Always the First of the Month
A membership expires, and a two week grace period begins at the time of expiration.
Two Weeks After the Expiration Date
The grace period ends and memberships are marked canceled. If a payment is received after this date, delivery of The American Organist may be delayed.

Chapter Events 2023-2024
September 10, 2023, 5:00-8:30pm: Dinner & Social
Place: Bill Weisser’s home
October 7/8, 2023: Choir Festival
“Festival of Hymns” by Hal Hopson
Place: Church of the Servant, 4925 Oriole Drive, Wilmington, NC 28405
Rehearsal on Saturday, October 7th, 10:00am to noon, Concert on Sunday, October 8th, 4:00pm
November 11/12, 2023: Workshop and Organ Recital by Dr. Timothy Olsen
Place: First Presbyterian Church, Wilmington
Saturday, November 11: workshop on “Healthful Technique,” 10am-noon, Noack tracker organ in Chapel, followed by lunch in the Parish Hall
Sunday, November 12: recital on Skinner organ in sanctuary, 5:00pm, followed by reception
(December 2023: no event; Merry Christmas!)
January 9th, 2024: Dinner meeting & Members Recital (Lent/Easter preludes & postludes)
Place: Trinity United Methodist, 1403 Market Street, Wilmington
Sunday, February 25, 2024: Organ Recital by Abigail Crafton
Young organist Abigail Crafton is the 16-yr-old winner of the national AGO Quimby Competition
Place: St. Matthew’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, 612 South College Rd, Wilmington, NC 28403
Time: 4:00pm, with reception following
(March 2024: No Event; Happy Easter!)
Sunday, April 21st, 2024, 4pm: organ recital by Brendan Conner and Kira Garvie, St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 16 N. 16th St., Wilmington, Reception will follow.
June 2, 2024: Dinner & Social,
Sunday evening at Julia Walker-Jewell’s home
Time and details TBD
Local Events
Click on the following links for the most current concert information!
Membership
Membership in the Wilmington AGO is open to all who possess a love of organ and choral music. For more information on becoming a member, please contact Justin Smith, Membership Coordinator, at email. You may also join online by visiting https://www.agohq.org/oncard-login/.
Placement
Shallotte Presbyterian Church
Shallotte, NC
Organist/Pianist
Director of Music
Shallotte Presbyterian Church located in the town of Shallotte, NC in Southeastern, NC (Brunswick County) announces a staff opening for the position of Organist/Pianist. The Organist/Pianist is responsible for two weekly traditional services (8:30 and 11:00 AM) and accompanying the Chancel Choir at weekly rehearsals. Additional special services include Ash Wednesday, Maundy Thursday, Christmas Eve, etc. The church owns a Rogers Trillium 928 Organ and Baby Grand Piano.
We also have an opening for a Director of Music. The Director of Music is responsible for selecting and planning music for weekly traditional Sunday services and directing the Chancel Choir and Handbell choir at weekly rehearsals. The director also plans choral music for special days within the church calendar which include Ash Wednesday, Maundy Thursday, Christmas Eve, etc. There may be occasional additional rehearsals for special services and other work with soloists, ensembles, etc.
To apply for the position, submit a cover letter, resume and supporting materials to our email, church@atmc.net.
Church of the Good Shepherd, Episcopal
Wilmington, NC
Church of the Good Shepherd Episcopal is seeking a Music Director.
Church of the Good Shepherd is a 112 year old historic church at 515 Queen St,. Wilmington, NC.
The congregation employs supply priests, with eucharists at a 10 am service. We are a traditional, welcoming, and diverse group and utilize the 1982 hymnal extensively.
The Music Director would provide leadership for the music program and manage a small choir. It is preferred to have a Wed. evening choir practice. We recently installed a 3-manual Allen electronic organ and have a George Steck grand piano in excellent condition.
This is a contract position, with no benefits. Regular bonus compensation is in place. Compensation for the 10 hour weekly position is negotiable, based on education, and years of experience. Episcopal service and music experience is preferred.
Please contact Dr. Peter Perschbacher, Senior Warden at 1-870-534-0650, or email pwpersch@gmail.com
Zion Episcopal Church
Washington, NC
Organist
Contact: The Reverend Alan Neale (215-510-1518, ajrn316@gmail.com)
Zion is looking for an organist to lead us in Episcopal worship. The weekly congregation is now about 35 and shows real signs of growth. The congregation is welcoming and appreciative of ministry and service.
Duties:
Sunday worship at 10am, introducing small choir to hymns etc. at 9:30am.
Probably, but not necessarily, midweek services such as All Saints, Ascension Day, Ash Wednesday, Maundy Thursday and Christmas Eve.
Probably, but not necessarily, two-three Sundays each month.
Salary:
The salary range is $12,500-$13,000
Darlington Presbyterian Church, EPC
Darlington, SC
Organist/Accompanist
Darlington Presbyterian Church, EPC is located in the lovely county seat of Darlington. Founded in 1827, Darlington Presbyterian Church has 400 plus members who enjoy a rich history of worship, ministry, and missions. Our worship services are centered on the Word of God as we celebrate our Savior through a meaningful liturgy in the Reformed Tradition. DPC offers a live-stream 11am morning worship that is musically led by the Chancel Choir, is accompanied by a 1988, 3 manual, Schantz Pipe Organ, and is supported with an occasional soloist, Handbell Choir, and other instrumental groups. The Chancel Choir presents each year two seasonal offerings, a Maundy Thursday service and a Christmas Festival of Lessons and Carols. Additionally, DPC continues its annual tradition of holding two Christmas Eve services for the community.
Church Organist / Choir Accompanist (PT)
Darlington Presbyterian Church, EPC is seeking a committed Christian whose desire it is to use his/her God given talents in service to the Lord and His people. This position requires skill in organ performance as a soloist, and in piano and organ performance as an accompanist to choirs, instrumentalists, soloists, and congregational singing. The ability to sight read and to play choral parts are needed skills as well. Salary: $15,000 (plus $2,000 for traveling expenses)
Responsibilities include playing for the weekly 11am Sunday morning worship service which includes pre-worship rehearsals with the Chancel Choir and other musicians as needed; accompanying Wednesday evening choir rehearsals with the Children’s and Chancel Choirs; playing for seasonal worship services and their respective rehearsals; and being available to play for the weddings, funerals and memorial services of church members and their families, for which additional compensation is given.
Interested candidates should email a cover letter and resume to Dr. Teresa Irwin, the Director of Music Ministries, at tirwin1685@gmail.com.
Certification
For more information about certification, please visit http://www.agohq.org/certification or contact the Dean at Email.
Contact Us
Dean: Nancy Novelly – Email
Subdean and Program Coordinator: Bill Weisser – Email
Secretary: Bob Norem – Email
Treasurer and Membership Coordinator: Justin Smith – Email
Member at Large: Martha Hayes – Email
Member at Large and Chaplain: Barrett Ingram – Email
Member at Large: Julia Walker Jewell – Email
Links
AGO Southeast Region Facebook Page