Westminster to thank retiring organist

Published 8:46 am Friday, September 16, 2016

Darlene Berhow  is retiring after more than 48 years as Westminster Presbyterian Church’s organist. Photo provided

Darlene Berhow is retiring after more than 48 years as Westminster Presbyterian Church’s organist. Photo provided

Austin’s Westminster Presbyterian Church is celebrating one woman’s 48-plus years of service on Sunday.

Darlene Berhow is retiring from her position as principal organist at Westminster Presbyterian Church after playing for more than 48 years.

“The legacy of love, commitment, talent, and faithfulness that she has left is incredible and will be missed,” Rev. Mike Olmsted, Westminster’s senior pastor, in a press release.

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On Sunday, Berhow will be recognized during the 9:30 a.m. worship service and the fellowship hour afterward.

Berhow began performing music when she was a teenager. She played at Oakland Presbyterian Church under Lynn Schendel until 1955, when the Oakland church merged with Westminster Presbyterian Church in Austin.

She spent the next 13 years singing in the choir and accompanying and leading various children’s and youth choirs. In 1968, she began serving as the lead organist at the Presbyterian Church. She has played for five choir directors and has served under five senior pastors.