St Luke Marks Easter Season with Organ Concert, Chili Cookoff

Music, fellowship and a little friendly competition filled St. Luke Lutheran Church on Sunday as the congregation hosted its second organ concert of the season, followed by a community chili cookoff.

The March 22 event drew residents from across Olney to the church at 1302 W. Oak Street, where Wichita Falls organist Dr. Katherine Meloan performed a program centered on the Lenten and Easter seasons.

Dr. Meloan invited attendees to sing along to familiar hymns from the Lutheran hymnal and offered brief insights into the history of the music. The St. Luke Choir also performed, singing the Maundy Thursday hymn Tantum Ergo in Latin and the Easter hymn Mandatum Novum.

Church leaders said the concert series is part of an effort to showcase the church’s historic Reuter organ, which was recently refurbished with the help of a grant from the L.F. and Carla Perry Foundation.

During the event, Pastor Sean Reeves announced the formation of the Friends of St. Luke Lutheran Church Music Society, which has launched a $10,000 fundraising campaign to support ongoing maintenance of the organ and future concerts.

Following the performance, the crowd moved to the fellowship hall for a chili cookoff judged by Olney Mayor Rue Rogers, along with his children and Trey Geter.

The judges awarded first place to Jennifer Reeves for her “Yankee Chili.” Second place went to Gina Keating for “Big John’s Port A Chili,” and third place to Travis and Nikki Hudson.

In the people’s choice voting, Kathy and Jeff Baxter and Jeff and Nikki Hudson were recognized, earning honors for Best Chili and Hottest Chili.

Organizers said the combination of music and community events reflects the church’s goal of bringing people together while preserving a piece of Olney’s musical history.

Donations to support the music society and organ maintenance may be made through Venmo at @StLukeLutheranOlneyTx or by check mailed to St. Luke Lutheran Church, 1302 W. Oak St., Olney, Texas 76374. Donors are asked to note that contributions are for the music society fund.

The concert series will continue with autumn and Christmas concerts as fundraising efforts support the upkeep of the organ and future performances.