Organist has played 55 Christmas Eve services

By Teresa Stowell of the Daily Times staff
Friday, December 29, 2006 12:45 PM CST

This year marked the 55th year Carol Erickson, of Watertown, has played the organ at a church on Christmas Eve. She is a member of Christ United Methodist Church in Watertown. (Teresa Stowell/Daily Times)

This year marked the 55th year Carol Erickson, of Watertown, played the organ at a church on Christmas Eve. She has served as organist at Christ United Methodist Church in Watertown for almost 40 years beginning in 1967.

Her years of experience is evident as she plays the organ. Her fingers move swiftly over the keys while her feet search for the perfect pedal. Many of the songs she has memorized, while with other songs her eyes quickly read the notes.

“The year's have gone fast,” Erickson, 67, said. “I'm very dedicated to the church and enjoy playing.”

In 1951 at the age of 12, Erickson played her first Christmas Eve service at a Methodist Church in Chippewa Falls. Although she had four years of piano lessons at the time, she taught herself how to play the organ. While many organists use regular or special shoes to play the foot pedals of an organ, Erickson uses her bare feet. Erickson began formal organ lessons when she attended college at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, then known as Wisconsin State College in Eau Claire.

“I remember my mother setting aside $1 each week for my piano lessons,” Erickson said. “When I began organ lessons in college my scheduled practice time was 5 a.m. and often I walked across campus to the hall in my pajamas and trench coat for the half an hour practice.”

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Erickson received a bachelor's degree in music education and became a teacher. She taught music in Rice Lake for a few years before moving to Watertown in 1965 where she taught music at Douglas, Lincoln and Lebanon schools. Throughout her life she was an organist at whatever church was in need. She's played the organ at Methodist churches, Lutheran churches, and the Christian Science Church in Watertown.

“I like playing at all the services,” Erickson said. “The Christmas Eve service is more reflective while the Easter services are more jubilant.”

Erickson chooses the songs from her own selection of music for various services while the pastor chooses the hymns.

“‘Angels We Have Heard on High' is one of my favorite songs to play because I can improvise and be creative on a lot of the ‘Glorias',” Erickson said.

In past years Erickson has included her piano students in the service. Her former students include Mark Pieplow, Ann Bradow, Kathy Kotwicki, Jane Reynolds, Brenda Behlke and Megan Bezanson. Her late husband Harry Erickson and daughter Eryn Durlam have also performed duets with her.

She has accompanied several musical productions at Watertown High School, the Watertown Players, and the Euterpe Music Club Chorus.

During her organ career she's played for over 300 weddings and funerals.

“I'm eternally grateful to the Lord for giving me the musical talent and to my mother for her guidance and encouragement in developing my abilities,” Erickson said. “I'll keep playing as long as the Lord is willing.”