Philip Peter Memorial Organ Fund
Phillip Peter
Jun, 2015
Hospice at Home patient, Philip Peter believed that music is our common denominator. It reaches out and pulls us together. For 67 years it was his life’s mission to do just that with his extraordinary skill on the organ. He believed it was a gift from God, and that it was given to him to share. To that end, Philip played for several local churches, conducted choirs, mentored young musicians and taught music and humanities at area colleges.
Philip was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor in 2014. At the time, he was an organist at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in St. Joseph and he made the decision that with his last months, he wanted to give something back. “The dear man had a great sense of vision,” said his wife, Marina Beggrovs Peter. “What he wanted was the premier recital organ for the greater Michiana community.”
In his long career, which included a position as a faculty member of both the music and humanities departments at the University of Michigan, Philip missed playing a Sunday service only once – because of an ice storm. “He had so many anecdotes and so much background information,” his wife said. “He could tell you stories about the composer or the rehearsal or the performer. It was just wonderful. He would put whatever we were singing in the choirs in context, so that it really enriched our singing.”
The result is the Philip Peter Memorial Organ Fund to purchase a digital organ, an instrument that could play every kind of church and recital music. The organ will be installed at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, but it will be open to the entire community.
Philip spent his last months making the arrangements. The Allen Organ Co., an organ builder Philip had consulted, agreed to make and sell a fully equipped digital recital organ for about $90,000, a substantial savings from the usual price. Philip went to work sending out letters to his family and friends, laying out his vision and asking for donations. “For years there has been ongoing interest and support for organ playing and music in our area,” he wrote. “This premier instrument will be a significant addition to the community.”
In May 2014, as part of the annual Twin Cities Organ Concert series, he conducted a performance of works by Strauss and Mozart. It was his last concert. Philip Peter died in October 2014 at the age of 79. By that time donations were pouring in from parishioners, friends, family and schools. The fund now just needs its last $8,000 to purchase the organ.
Contributions to help realize Philip Peter’s legacy of the love of music and community can be made to the Philip Peter Memorial Organ Fund and sent to St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 914 Lane Drive, St. Joseph MI 49085. Please make donations by April 24.