My father, Alan W. Smith, was organist and choir director during the 1950’s and 60’s at the First Parish Unitarian Universalist church in Canton, MA.

I recall with pleasure the choir rehearsals every Thursday evening at our house at 233 Chapman Street in Canton.

Attached is a poem that the choir wrote as an affectionate tribute to my father. I should say that it was written by a choir member, Mrs. Mary Lou Stocker.

Among the choir members mentioned in the poem are Robert (Bob) Stocker, Mary Lou’s husband; John Partridge; and Dot and Pete, whom I don’t recall.

Thursday evening choir practices at our home always ended with a coffee hour, with coffee and refreshments served by my mother. I would be listening to the pleasant music while doing my homework in my bedroom upstairs. I would come down for a moment and say hello to everyone,. They were always so pleasant. I remember those Thursday evenings so fondly,

— posted by Roger W. Smith

   February 2016