HISTORY OF DIRECTORS OF MUSIC
A Legacy of Leadership in Rosedale Presbyterian Church, Toronto
Over the past century, these gifted individuals have shaped the musical traditions of RPC, enriching worship services and fostering a strong sense of community through music. From early organists to influential choir directors, each era of leadership has contributed to the enduring spiritual and musical legacy of RPC.
This page reflects on their contributions and how each tenure has helped build and evolve the church’s musical history.
Incumbent Directors of Music
RPC has been home to numerous Directors of Music, each bringing their unique talents and leadership to the church’s musical program.
List of Incumbent Directors of Music
| Name | Tenure |
|---|---|
| Dugald N Henderson | 1910 - 1915 |
| DCM Henderson | 1915 - 1919 |
| Freeman Wright | 1919 - 1936 |
| WW Hawke (Organist) | 1919 - 1922 |
| F Shuttleworth (Organist) | 1922 - 1932 |
| Reginald Godden (Organist) | 1932 - 1936 |
| Carl Tapscott | 1936 - 1943, 1946 - 1951 |
| Roland Todd | 1943 - 1946 |
| Clare Taylor | 1951 - 1970 |
| Howard Jerome | 1970 - 1973 |
| Carol Kessler | 1973 - 1979 |
| John Derksen | 1979 - 1992 |
| Mary Legge | 1994 - 2003 |
| Melody McShane | 2004 - 2012 |
| Samuel Tam | 2011 - 2013 |
| Alan Bevan | 2013 - 2016 |
| Christopher Dawes | 2017 - Present |
Interim Directors of Music
Interim Directors of Music have played a crucial role in maintaining the continuity and quality of RPC’s musical heritage, stepping in to provide leadership during transitional periods.
List of Interim Directors of Music
| Name | Tenure |
|---|---|
| Andrew Ager | 1993 - 1994 |
| Dan Bickle | 1994 |
| Janet Peaker | 2003 |
| Christopher Dawes | 2016 - 2017 |
Longevity in Musical Leadership
Like many smaller churches, RPC has experienced varied durations of musical leadership, with some Directors of Music serving extended tenures and others offering shorter but equally impactful leadership.
RPC’s “Ten-Year Club”
Among the standout figures in RPC’s history, three incumbent Directors of Music have served for ten or more years:
Freeman Wright (1919 - 1936): Served as both baritone soloist and Director of Music before RPC established its choir.
Clare Taylor (1951 - 1970): Credited with establishing RPC’s choral tradition, which continues to flourish today.
Dr. John Derksen (1979 - 1992): Led the church’s musical program through an era of growth, including overseeing the installation of RPC’s Karl Wilhelm organ.
Other notable long-serving musicians include:
Mary Legge (1994 - 2003): A dedicated musician who remained a beloved member of the congregation until her passing in 2022.
Christopher Dawes (2016 - Present): Initially appointed as interim, later becoming the permanent Director of Music.
While RPC has had a few Directors of Music with long tenures, the church has also benefited from shorter but dynamic periods of musical leadership. Each Director’s contributions, whether long or brief, have helped shape the evolving musical landscape of RPC.
Musical Leadership – The Impact Beyond Longevity
Long-tenured Directors of Music often bring stability and deep-rooted traditions, but shorter musical leadership periods can also introduce fresh ideas and reinvigorate church music.
RPC’s history demonstrates both approaches, proving that musical leadership can have a lasting impact regardless of duration. Whether through a decade of service or a few short years, the musicians who have guided RPC’s worship have left an indelible mark on the congregation and its musical heritage.
