Tom Granum Leaving Athens First Presbyterian for Church in Ann Arbor

After 30 years as the music director and organist at First Presbyterian Church, Tom Granum--and his wife Doris--are moving to Michigan. There, Tom will be the Director of Music Ministries at First Presbyterian of Ann Arbor, home of the University of Michigan.

The congregation at First Presbyterian in Athens is happy that Tom and his wife Doris are going on to a new challenge and a chapter in their lives—but many are sad that such a vibrant, giving, talented friend and musician is leaving.

“He’s an institution, a positive presence and a force,” said Bertis Downs, a church member. Both of Downs’ two daughters started singing with Granum as little girls, and the church youth group and church choir are both important activities for them.

“Tom is so generous with his time, he’s seen in places that don’t have anything to do with the church," said Dows. "Our church is in a transition, but we’ll muddle on. Tom and Doris are off to a new part of their lives, and I’m happy for them.”

For long-time member Kathryn Nichols—who also sand in the choir and who substituted as organist--putting into words what Granum has meant to "every family in the church is hard."

She attended Granum’s senior organ recital, and her son Ed went through the choir program at the church. When Ed married, Tom Granum traveled to Cincinnati and played the church organ during the ceremony.

“He did that for many children who went through the youth choir program,” she said. “There’s something about the way he would encourage people, and give the kids learning to play instruments a way to participate. He set high standards for the chancel choir, and made you think you could do more than you thought you could do.”

Nichols said that when a choir member was sick, Granum would arrange that food be sent. If a choir member were in the hospital, he was the first one to visit. His caring and compassion were legendary among the church family.

First Presbyterian's senior minister Dr. Glenn Doak wrote in a letter to the congregation about Granum:

"He has introduced hundreds of our children to the joy of singing, led scores of music/mission trips with our youth around this country and the world, and has taken us on Sundays to higher ground through the gift of music."

Church member Dianne Penny Wilson recalled the many ways Granum has served the community. He led the choir at the Congregation Children of Israel. When a service was held for Eve Carson, he led the youth choir in concert at First United Methoidist. For Milner Balls' service at St. Gregory's, Granum took members of the First Presbyterian choir to join others at the service.

"There are probably many countless quiet ways he served our community over the years, and I really don't have a clue," Wilson said. "My family will miss him profoundly. Now that our daughters are adults, our magnificent Christmas Eve service, filled with music, has been a coming home ritual. As our Catherine said, 'Christmas will never be the same...' "

Do you have stories of Tom and Doris Granum? Or of their daughters, Mary Winn and Meg? Tell us in the comments. His last day at First Presbyterian is Sunday, July 8th.