Olsen recognized for 50 years of musical ministry by First Congregational UCC

By Chris Spangler

First Congregational United Church of Christ recently recognized Marvin Olsen for his 50 years leading the Fort Atkinson congregation’s musical ministry.

During this past Sunday’s worship service, the Rev. Dr. Sara Rabe presented Olsen with a plaque honoring his half-century as director of the adult, youth and handbell choirs.

About 90 people attended the surprise celebration, including members of Olsen’s family. After the service, they enjoyed a reception featuring a charcuterie board of treats created by Heidi Siefkes, assisted by volunteers.

Known in the community as “Mr. Music,” Olsen taught vocal music at Fort Atkinson Middle School for more than 31 years, from 1971 to 2002. He took up the baton as director of music at First Congregational UCC in 1973.

In presenting the plaque to Olsen, Pastor Rabe recalled what was making headlines back then.

“Four score and 50 years ago, the time was 1973 and many parts of our lives were different, but some were about the same,” she said. “In that era of 50 years ago, President Nixon was involved in Watergate; a ceasefire was signed, ending involvement in the Vietnam War; and the U.S. Supreme Court ruled on Roe vs. Wade. The biggest difference was the cost of a first-class stamp, which was 8 cents.”

At First Congregational UCC, the Rev. Bob Cedar was pastor and there were 14 confirmation students in the Class of 1973, the minister noted.

“This church had a need — a need of a choir director — and in that year, a young man applied for this position. His name was Marvin Olsen,” Rabe said.

Growing up in Fort Atkinson, Olsen graduated from Milton College with a degree in vocal music education. His first teaching job was with the Oregon School District.

Olsen was drafted to serve in Vietnam, returning home in 1971.

“Upon his return, he got a job here in Fort Atkinson at the school district, teaching vocal choir music. In 1973, he directed the adult choir, Chapel Bells, youth bells and kids’ music for the Sunday school. He led the choir on tours, dedicated his time and service and faithfulness, providing an enhanced worship experience with high-quality choir music to lift praise, thanks and honor to God each and every Sunday for 50 years,” Rabe continued.

“That’s about 2,000 Sundays. With handbells and senior choir, that’s 4,000 rehearsals on weeknights. The magnitude of time, energy and planning that this man has put into this life of this congregation is to be commended today. … we celebrate, we give thanks and we honor you this day for your dedication and faithfulness,” she concluded.

Speaking on behalf of the choirs was Robert “Charlie” Knapp, a choir member since 1989.

“My musical training is mostly through church choirs since I was in fifth grade, and I noticed immediately a level of dedication and professionalism on your part that I have taken with me since 1989,” he told Olsen.

“My biggest memory, of course, was when you prepared the youth bell choir for a tour in 1995 that brought all the parents close together, and it was amazing the level of musicianship you inspired in those youth. And you keep doing it every Sunday over and over again,” Knapp added.

He pointed out that a line in the morning’s hymn, “Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee,” summarizes the congregation’s feelings.

“The very last line of the very last verse: ‘Joyful music leads us sunward in the triumph song of life.’ And that is what you have given us, Marv. Thank you for 50 years,” Knapp said.

According to Ruth Hammiller, Olsen has been a joy to perform for since she joined the senior and handbell choirs in 1984.

“He is very positive and offers constructive criticism in a noncritical, loving way so it never feels like criticism in any way,” she said. “It is more about doing something a different way than ‘you’re doing something the wrong way.’”

Hammiller noted that Olsen never has complained, despite undergoing physical illness and surgeries.

“He always has had a smile on his face, even when everyone knew he was in pain,” she said. “He has kept things positive and is very upbeat and kind.”

Hammiller noted that Olsen started the bell choir performing at Christmastime at Fairhaven Senior Services in Whitewater, as well as at several other venues with other bell choirs.

Calling his dedication to the church “exceptional,” she said Olsen was active in the congregation’s purchases of a new organ and grand piano.

“He is always bringing new music in, and is faithful in his service to the church,” Hammiller concluded.

The service, including the plaque presentation, may be viewed at https://www.youtube.com/@fortatkinsonunitedchurchof7730/streams.

The Rev. Dr. Sara Rabe presents a plaque to Marvin Olsen commemorating his 50 years as director of music at First Congregational United Church of Christ, Fort Atkinson.

Marvin Olsen, seated and holding his plaque, gathers with members of the senior and handbell choirs and the Rev. Dr. Sara Rabe, at left, as First Congregational United Church of Christ celebrates Olsen’s half-century as director of music.

Speaking on behalf of the choirs, Robert “Charlie” Knapp, a member of the church choirs since 1989, at left, congratulates Marvin Olsen, seated, on his 50 years as the church’s director of music.

Marvin Olsen, Fort Atkinson, displays the plaque given to him in recognition of his 50 years as director of music at First Congregational United Church of Christ.

Family members of Marvin Olsen, who is seated and holding his plaque, gather Sunday during a surprise celebration marking Olsen’s 50 years as the First Congregational United Church of Christ’s director of music. To maintain the surprise, Olsen was told that his family members were in town to celebrate birthdays. Birthday celebrations commenced following the church service and reception.  
 
Chris Spangler photos.

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One Comment

  1. Mabel Schumacher

    What a wonderful and well-deserved honor. It was a privilege to work with Marv at the School District of Fort Atkinson, and he continues to bring joy to others through his musical talents and encouraging attitude.

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