Timeline: James Walker at All Saints Church

I was three years out of grad school when the 1986 Ninth Organ-Playing Competition of the Ruth and Clarence Mader Foundation was announced. The required repertoire was intriguing — all music from the 20th century. All competitors were to learn the new Sonata en trio by Jean Guillou, one of the most technically-demanding works I have every learned. And then there were three other groupings of pieces, from which the competitors could choose the rest of their repertoire. I remember learning the pieces for a May 1986 faculty recital at Occidental College. With pieces from that recording, I entered the preliminary round of the competition. That fall, as the final competition drew near, Cherry Rhodes and I talked and came to the prudent conclusion that it would be advantageous for me to have a few coaching sessions with her. The final competition had three finalists perform the repertoire as a formal evening concert at Pasadena Presbyterian Church. It was thrilling to be named First Place Winner.

What a thrill it was to be in the presence of this giant of peace, justice and reconciliation. I was awe-struck. This first visit was during the time that Apartheid was still very much the law of the land in South Africa. All Saints and the Anglican Church in South Africa had established a relationship, working together to help dismantle that system of extreme oppression. So, this visit was a celebration of that relationship and a re-commitment to the cause. It was the first time the All Saints choirs learned and sang "Nkosi Sikelel 'iAfrica". At each of the Archbishop's visit, over the years, I always remember his kindness and appreciation of the musicians. So very gracious.