| Debbie Young sits at a piano which she has donated to Zion Lutheran Church in Luckey. The piano belonged to Young’s late mother Joyce Ernsthausen (right) who was a pianist and taught piano lessons until her death a year ago. (Photo: Enoch Wu/Sentinel-Tribune) |
LUCKEY – Sunday will be a special day for Debbie Young and the congregation of Zion Lutheran Church in
Luckey.
During the 10:30 a.m. worship service, a grand piano will be dedicated in memory of Young’s mother, Joyce
Ernsthausen, who died Sept.18, 2010.
Ernsthausen served the church for decades as its choir director. Many directors stay busy with one choir;
while Young said at one point during her dedicated service to the church, she was leading seven
different choirs, including both vocal and bell choirs.
The piano belonged to Ernsthausen and was used at her home for church music preparation and also giving
private lessons. Young said at least one current member of the church took lessons from her mother.
"Many hours were spent at that piano poring over music for the various choirs," Young said.
Because of that piano and hard work, she said her mother could bring music to the congregation through
the various choirs.
After her mother’s sudden death, Young was left with a dilemma as to what to do with her mother’s piano.
She didn’t have room for the instrument in her home and other options just didn’t seem right.
Because the church had only a small upright piano in addition to the church organ, and because of her
mother’s service to the church, she decided would like to donate the piano.
"I knew it had to go somewhere where it meant something. It truly means something to the
congregation," she said.
"I talked to the church council. They were pretty blown away and thought it was a wonderful
idea," Young continued.
She believes her mother acquired the piano around 1964. Because of its age, it needed some work.
Young thus had the instrument completely restored including all new strings.
"It’s sound like a brand new piano, now, just like it did when I was younger."
Ernsthausen became the choir director in 1974 and served for more than 35 years until her death.
Young recalls hearing former pastor Earl Key who hired her mother saying at the 25-year celebration that
hiring her was "the best thing he had done for Zion."
During Sunday’s dedication service, Keith Hamen, pianist and music director, will play the piano for some
parts and Young will play in an organ-piano duet during communion time.
The main dedication number will be "Majesty" which will feature the piano along with the church
organ, and both the bell and regular choirs. It will be a gala number.
The grand piano will truly honor a grand lady for decades to come.
Young’s pride is evident in referencing her mother, "She was a very valued member and devoted friend
to all at Zion."
