News from the Pews

Some Newnan First members and a few other guests went to The Fox Theatre a couple weeks ago. This was no ordinary outing, though. It included a private, invite-only concert and a unique opportunity to play The Mighty Mo, the theatre’s organ.

So how did this group get such an amazing opportunity? Bob McKoon is a member of the American Theatre Organ Society (ATOS), whose Atlanta chapter (including Bob!) got the ball rolling to save the Fox Theatre back in 1974, when the city proposed its demolition. Every couple years, The Fox welcomes ATOS to hold their own private concerts, so for their monthly meeting the group invited Ben as guest artist, and Bob could bring as many friends as he liked. Originally it was just going to be him and Dawn McCord traveling until he thought “what if we could take the church bus?” They could take it, and ended up taking 25 more people with them. THREE of those people, Dawn, Marian Steed, and the Henry Lee (Central Baptist), were able to play the organ.

“It’s always a treat to go to The Fox,” said Bob. “And it was also a treat to enjoy a fabulous concert by a young, rising musician. I’ve heard him once before, and he immediately remembered me and how much I love theatre organ music.”

Bob put the program together, and wants to thank Craig Bryan for driving the bus and Aileen for coordinating communication.