Retiring Mayville organist reflects on music ministry

When parishioners of Our Lady of Peace in Mayville go to Sunday Mass, a familiar face will be missing behind the organ. Delores von Ruden has decided it’s time to step aside from her duties as organist and music coordinator at the parish, a role she has filled for seventy-plus years.

“Mayville back then was a mission church, and we maybe had Mass there once a month,” said Delores. “There was a lady there who played the little pump organ, and she said maybe I should play, and that’s how I got started playing for the church.”

Delores started playing the piano at age 16, when her mother and father bought one at an auction sale for $25. She says there was no money to pay for piano lessons, so she taught herself to play. She also doesn’t read music, so to learn a hymn she would have to have someone play it or sing it for her a few times to get the melody. She says the ability to learn music that way is a gift from God, so she tries to give that gift back any way she can.

“It’s really a ministry that allows me to help people,” said Delores. “Doing funerals, weddings, or baptisms, and being able to guide families in their music choices when they didn’t know where to turn. All of the accompanists here are willing to do that for families.”

Delores says music and technology has changed over the seven decades she has been in music ministry. She says Our Lady of Peace has gone through probably four different organs, each one more advanced than the other. Her favorite is the current electronic keyboard, which allows her to transpose hymns.

“Most hymns are written way too high for parishioners to sing,” said Delores. “We can bring the key down now and make it easier for the congregation.”

Delores will still stay active in the community, playing music for different functions and events, but she says she will miss her ministry.
 
“Piano is my favorite instrument, but I love the organ,” said Delores. “I get a feeling of peace and comfort when I hear the organ played at church.”

Now she’ll enjoy the sound of the organ from the other side of the keyboard.