Alfred E. Lunsford
died on July 22 at his home in Knoxville, Tennessee, after a long illness. He
was 85. Born on July 13, 1918, he spent most of his adult life as a church
musician and pipe organ builder. He served as organist in various churches in
Knoxville, most recently St. Michael's and All Angels Episcopal Church.
In addition to his long membership in the American Institute of Organbuilders
and the Organ Historical Society, he was also the last surviving charter member
of the Knoxville AGO chapter, serving four times as its dean, more than any
other individual. In 1946 Mr. Lunsford was offered the position of regional
sales manager of the greater southeast for the Schantz Organ Company, a
position he held for over 50 years. During this tenure, he literally sold
hundreds of new Schantz pipe organs as well as hundreds of related projects
such as additions, restorations, or renovations of existing instruments. In his
home state of Tennessee alone, he sold 82 new Schantz instruments. In addition,
he built several new pipe organs which were installed in the greater Knoxville
area, one being a two-manual tracker in Grace Lutheran Church. A memorial
service was held at St. John's Episcopal Church, Knoxville, on July 25. A
memorial scholarship fund is being established to promote the pipe organ among
young people who may wish to attend the AGO "Pipe Organ Encounter"
program. This scholarship is part of the New Organist Fund administered by the
AGO. Donations to this fund in memory of Mr. Lunsford may be made to the AGO
with designation of the Alfred E. Lunsford Scholarship Fund: American Guild of
Organists, 475 Riverside Dr., Suite 1260, New York, NY 10115.
