A Mountain Filled With Music

The Presbyterian Church of the Mountain (PCOM) in Delaware Water Gap, PA presented another installment in their 2012 series of Summer Gazebo Concerts on Sunday August 19th featuring The Wayfarers and Company. A variety of musical instruments such as Banjos, Guitars, an Upright Bass, a Flute, Mandolins, Violins, Dulcimers, and objects I have no idea what they’re called filled the small outdoor performance area. Luckily, there were musicians who shared the stage who not only knew the name of every instrument, but knew how to play them as well. These musicians were Norm Williams, Bob Mallalieu, Amanda Parker, John James, and Carol Walker.

Their familiarity and expertise with the instruments as well as the gentle love for the music they performed filled the lawn and its denizens with, as Church member and host George Munn stated in his introduction, “Some call it ‘Mountain Music,’ some call it ‘Appalachian Music,’ some even call it ‘ol’ time music’, but most just call it ‘Good Music.’” And, good music it was as The Wayfarers and Company performed a range of musical styles reflecting that of a bygone era when people settled in their homes to entertain each other with their self crafted instruments, their thoughtful voices, and the profound love they had for one another.

The Wayfarers and Company performance not only echoed the times their songs reflected but recreated it in the hearts of all who gathered at the Gazebo. By the time the concert came to a conclusion and the sun began its journey to the other side of the world, a sense of home was created and lingered on in many long after the final setting. You’ll be able to find more photographs taken during The Wayfarers and Company concert in The PCOM 2012 Gallery at www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10151016062390421.483748.636000420&type=1.

The Wayfarers and Company began around 20 years ago when Norm Williams and Bob Mallalieu met in Analomink, PA while attending a neighborhood Bible study picnic. They began talking about music while munching on hamburgers which led to their participation in a Christian band titled, “Pure Water Supply.”  Their friendship, faith, and love for good music later led them to form Wayfarers and Company with the musicians previously mentioned in this article. Together and separately, they perform in numerous festivals and hold workshops for the instruments they play especially for those interested in the Dulcimer. You can learn more about Wayfarers and Company by Exploring their Website at www.wayfarersandco.net.

According to their website, The Presbyterian Church of the Mountain is "… a community of disciples illuminated by God’s love who care for others spiritually, emotionally, physically, and financially as we explore new avenues of grace and grow in faith through worship and service." In an endeavor to manifest the goals of this statement, they hold weekly services every Sunday beginning at 10am, providing a hostel for those hikers who travel along the Appalachian Trail as well as holding a Hikers’ Dinner every Thursday evening throughout the Summer Months to replenish their energies, supporting the Kenyan village of Amilo by providing a school feeding program for 15 orphans, a well, housing, and simple medical care and information to the villagers, and by sharing a partnership with the Reformed Church located in Cardenaz, Cuba. They also support the local Fire Company and Women’s Resources Center as well as provide community aid funds for residents who are suffering economic burdens. The size of the congregation is approximately 200 people.

The Summer Gazebo Concert Series began in 1990 and is presented every Sunday evening throughout the Summer months until the end of August in order to support the local musicians and provide a venue where all ages could learn to appreciate Jazz and acoustic music. In reflection of Delaware Water Gap, PA being considered a Mecca for Jazz, the concerts has a great number of Jazz performances in their schedule. However, all musical styles are showcased during the summer which includes Blue Grass and Classical Music. The final installment in The Presbyterian Church of the Mountain Summer Gazebo Concert Series for 2012 is scheduled for Sunday August 26th featuring Skip Detrick, Matt Abell, and Regina Sayles. The concert is free to the public and begins at 6pm. Please Explore The Presbyterian Church of the Mountain Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/pages/Presbyterian-Church-of-the-Mountain/234593743269661 for more information.