Celebrating 10 Years with Mark Willey
By • December 2, 2024 0 72
By Monica Raines
Inside the historic walls of Georgetown Presbyterian Church, generations of Christians have gathered for worship for two hundred and forty four years. For the last ten years, this thriving congregation has been led by the musical talents of Director of Music, Mark Willey. Mark uniquely serves this congregation as the chief organist while also directing its professional choir. Mark was appointed to this important position in December of 2014. As an avid advocate for the fine musical craftsmanship of the baroque composers, especially J.S. Bach, Mark, educates this congregation about its ancestors who have expressed Christian faith through music.
Mark holds degrees in organ performance from Peabody Conservatory (B.M.) in Baltimore, Maryland and the Eastman School of Music (M.M.) in Rochester, New York, with additional training in vocal pedagogy and choral conducting from Westminster Choir College. During the pandemic, Mark blended his interests in music technology and filmmaking into inspiring streaming services and documentary shorts to keep the worship of this congregation beautiful and vibrant. After a decade of ministry, he has become a beloved figure within the church to the youngest worshippers to the most musically sophisticated members.
This traditional congregation, because of Mark’s talents and concurrent interests, has been able to claim its strong historic roots while moving confidently into the 21st century. Mark established a podcast, called chatGPC, to interview members and capture their stories of faith. He traveled to Niger with one of the church’s mission partners, Remember Niger, in order to record the work of the teachers and children and bring the work to life for the congregation back home. Between playing the hymns and leading the choir, Mark has been known to grab his camera and capture photographs of the baptism families from the loft for their keepsakes. A polymath at heart, Mark is always ready to tackle new projects, especially if they can be in service to others.
Mark embodies what makes Georgetown a special place, he brings unique skills in service to the greater good. Mr. Mark Willey is a musical phenom, a friend to his colleagues, and someone who makes us proud to call Georgetown home.
The congregation welcomes all to come and celebrate his service and accomplishments, on December 1st at 11am. 3115 P Street NW, Washington, DC. Soli Deo Gloria!
