Ralph Farrar playing the organ at the United Church of Christ of Jamestown.

The Pilgrim Memorial United Church of Christ has changed names more times over the past 65 years than it has its organist.

Of course, organist Ralph Farrar has held the job for 65 years, including the church’s renaming as the United Church of Christ of Jamestown.

Interim Pastor Rick Miller noted that Farrar has not only been crucial to the services and ceremonies put on by the church, but the church’s operations as a whole, serving as a pianist and organist, alongside various other positions for about 65 years. Miller stated that Farrar began at the church in 1960, initially only being brought onboard to temporarily fill the position before later being asked to become a permanent replacement. Farrar has also remained extremely dedicated to the operations of the church, as Farrar has been an attendant of the church since childhood, according to Miller. Miller stated that some of the positions that Farrar has held for the church include former treasurer, former church chair, and property trustee for the church.

Miller also noted Farrar’s continual dedication to the church through his assurance of care and maintenance to the building itself. Miller stated that Farrar has wired lights inside of the church before and performed various updates. This past week, Farrar even climbed up onto the church roof of the church to repair a leak that had formed, according to Miller. All of this is why Miller calls Farrar the glue of the church, and stated that he is an individual that members look to frequently for leadership.

“I am not speaking hyperbole. I’m not sure the church would exist if it weren’t for [Farrar],” said Miller. “I don’t even know how many pastors have come and gone in his tenure, but pastors come and go. But Ralph’s been the one constant through all of the decades, and so people look to him for leadership and direction.”

The celebration to commemorate Farrar’s 65 years was held on Friday, Nov. 14. Miller stated that the event included a catered dinner, and invited all church members and various organists from around the area. Farrar’s family was in attendance, along with a total of about 60 people, according to Miller. Following the dinner, Miller stated that a special ceremony began. This ceremony consisted of Brian A. Bogey, of the First Lutheran Church, playing two musical pieces on the organ. Senior Pastor of the First Covenant Church of Jamestown Adam Rohler also performed as part of the ceremony, singing a beautiful opera piece, said Miller.

“We are just so grateful for [Farrar], for his faithfulness, his dedication, his commitment all these years to the church, to loving its members, to caring well for the building, to ensuring that worship is a blessing to all,” said Miller. “He’s the one that holds the church together.”

Though Farrar anticipates his 89 birthday this December, this does not mean he is ready to slow down. Miller noted that Farrar plans to continue his heavy involvement with the church, showing the level of love and dedication Farrar still feels toward his place of worship.