Raymond Ebert received the James V. Salzwedel Award for Excellence in Church Music on Sunday, Dec. 14, near the beginning of the morning worship service at Friedland Moravian, where Ray grew up. Even while serving as organist of Centenary Un. Methodist in Winston-Salem for 40 years, Ray never stopped being Moravian, playing for Candle Tea, recitaling on the Tannenberg organ, playing at Salemtowne, and accompanying the Moramus Chorale, and lots of other things. MMF is proud to honor this fine musician.

 

THE MORAVIAN MUSIC FOUNDATION

Raymond (Ray) Ebert

You began your musical career as a tuba player, but soon discovered your talents were better suited to piano and organ. You served as organist at Centenary United Methodist Church for forty years, and during that time you retained your commitment to the Moravian Church and Moravian music – often including “snippets” from Moravian hymns in transitions and modulations in services at Centenary. You have also served as organist and director of music at Temple Emanuel, Friedberg Moravian, and First United Methodist Church of Newnan, Georgia.

As a performer, you have presented recitals at Piccolo Spoleto Festival and many other locations. You are also a dance musician, carillonneur, and accompanist of the Wake Forest Divinity School choir, Salemtowne Singers, and Moramus Chorale. There will be very few organs in this part of the state with which you are not already familiar, or which you have not been invited to play. You have been active in the American Guild of Organists and other musical groups.

You have also worked to encourage young musicians, providing them opportunities to participate in many musical organizations and activities, and always making them feel welcomed and valued.

Throughout your ministry of music, you have modeled true servanthood, with your life and your musical gifts offered in witness and praise to our Lord Jesus Christ. For your dedicated service; your joyful sharing of the gift of music in and beyond worship; and your contribution to the preservation, celebration, and cultivation of the musical life of the Moravians; the Board of Trustees of the Moravian Music Foundation takes great delight in presenting to you the

James V. Salzwedel Award for Excellence in Church Music

Winston-Salem, North Carolina, December 14, 2014