Our 2025 Hymn Sing in support of OSHaRE will be at Central Westside United Church, Owen Sound. Come along and support a great cause, and enjoy the sound of the organ, piano, and the Salvation Army Band. Sing along to some great Hymns.
When watching an award show, the biggest thrill often comes when the top category is announced, such as movie of the year or best new artist. The anticipation builds, the envelope opens, and the winner is revealed.
For organ enthusiasts in Grey and Bruce counties, that same excitement surrounded the announcement of the first-ever “Grey Bruce Pipe Organ of the Year 2025”. And the winner is… Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Walkerton!
A Local Treasure
Sacred Heart’s Casavant Frères pipe organ was installed approximately 35 years ago and remains one of Walkerton’s musical jewels. Built in the French Baroque style, the instrument is rich in colour, brilliance, and volume — perfectly suited to the church’s renowned acoustics. (As organ builders often say, “the most important ‘stop’ on the organ is the room’s acoustics.”)
Beyond its role in weekly worship, the instrument has played a central part in the Walkerton Rotary Music Festival, serving for decades as the venue for the Pipe Organ category. Its presence has inspired generations of young and older musicians to study and perform on a true concert-quality organ.
Celebration Event
To mark this recognition, the Grey Bruce Chapter of the Royal Canadian College of Organists (RCCO) will host a special event on Friday, October 10, at 7:00 p.m. at Sacred Heart. A commemorative plaque will be presented, followed by a recital showcasing the instrument’s splendour.
The featured performer will be local organist Anna Perrone, fresh from completing her music degree. For Anna, this will be both a professional milestone and a homecoming performance. Her program will highlight the full range and expressive power of the organ.
As an extra bonus, choral music will also be part of the recital. Grey County’s own St John’s Sacred Music Schola Choir, under the direction of Chloe Willis, will perform sacred works.
An Invitation
This celebration is more than an award ceremony — it is a chance to hear one of our region’s finest instruments brought to life by a rising local talent.
We warmly invite you to join us on Friday, October 10 at 7:00 p.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Walkerton for an evening of music, history, and community pride. A Free Will Offering will support the Saugeen Hospice Fundraising Campaign.
Come and experience why this remarkable Casavant organ has earned the title of Grey Bruce Pipe Organ of the Year 2025!
Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church, Ayton on Oct 27th at 2:30
Hymn Sing at Kincardine United Church on November 1st 7pm
The Grey Bruce RCCO organists are this year presenting our Good Friday Harmonies service in person again at St. Mark’s Church, Chesley – 181 1st Ave S, Chesley, ON N0G 1L0 on Friday 29th March at 7:30pm – all are welcome – a free will offering helps support our scholarship program
Hymn sing and fundraiser in support of OSHaRE, with the Owen Sound Salvation Army Band, and organists from the Grey Bruce Centre of the Royal Canadian College of Organists! Central Westside United Church, Owen Sound, Sunday afternoon, October 15, 4-5 o’clock – grand singing in a grand space!
The Grey Bruce RCCO organists are this year presenting our Good Friday Harmonies service in person again at Christ Church Anglican Church, Lion’s Head. Friday 7th April at 7:30pm – all are welcome – a free will offering helps support our scholarship program.
Knox are pleased to announce that Ian Sadler has recovered from his recent illness and will be able to perform his organ recital on Sunday, July 17th 2:30PM to 4:00PM.
The recital will cover a range of musical selections from classical organ music to songs from the movies and to well-known hymns. A stirring rendition of “Highland Cathedral” accompanied by Scottish Pipers will end the performance. Everyone is welcome with voluntary donation.
Knox Kincardine Church
345 Durham Street
Kincardine, ON N2Z 2Y1
I have just been notified that the recital that Ian Sadler was to give tomorrow at Knox, Kincardine, has sadly been canceled as Ian is unwell. Hopefully it can be rescheduled for a later date.
We don’t get many organ recitals in the Grey/Bruce area, so here is one coming up!
RCCO Grey/Bruce Centre 