Macon AGO

The Macon chapter of the American Guild of Organists dates from 1935. In 1952, the original chapter became inactive but was reorganized in 1964.  Unfortunately the chapter became deactivated once again at an unknown date.   The current chapter was activated in 1976, and it continues to the present day – more than 30 successive years.  The biggest events of the early years were Hymn Festivals sponsored by our chapter in 1939, 1940, and 1941.  These festivals involved massed choirs from more than 20 churches of different denominations and schools.  These Hymn Festivals took place in the Macon Municipal Auditorium, and the organist for all three of them was Mrs. Albert A. Jelks.  The 1941 program shows evidence of World War II, for one of the choral groups was the Tenth Battalion Choir.  Perhaps the most famous organist to be sponsored in recital by our AGO during these early years was Virgil Fox, who performed in the Macon Municipal Auditorium on April 24, 1940.

In August 2005 the Macon Magazine featured an article on organs and organists in Macon.  To read the article click here.