With the Rev. Ruth Morrison looking on, Gail Parker tests the recently donated piano for the chapel.

Donation from Elizabeth Betty Peterson

Beginning for this Sunday’s early service, a different piano will be in the chapel, one better suited for the size and acoustics of the room.

The George Steck piano was donated to the church by Elizabeth Betty Peterson, who has been attending our church in recent years after moving to Village Crossing.

Betty Peterson was a friend of Stephen Bither’s mother, starting back in the 1950s, when they both went to the Woodford’s Church and lived in the same Portland neighborhood. The Petersons moved to Hannaford Cove in Cape Elizabeth later in the ’50s, but remained friends with the Bithers.

Betty moved to Village Crossing last year and the family wanted to renovate the Fowler Road home before selling it. In the house was the George Steck piano and Betty’s daughter, Anne, contacted Jane Beckwith and wanted to know if she knew of anyone who needed a piano.  Jane contacted Stephen and Stephen contacted other piano players who agreed the current one in the chapel had its problems.

Stephen, Mark Braun, Paula House  and Gail Parker all played the piano and agreed it would be a good fit for the chapel. Jane contacted Stephen and Stephen contacted other piano players

The Petersons paid for the move and also will pay for the tuning.

“It’s a special gift with a special meaning,” Stephen said.

Thank you, Peterson family!