With sincere joy and affectionate sadness I am writing to let you know that our Associate Director of Music, Dr. Christopher Reynolds has accepted a call to become the Director of Music at St. Paul's Church in Richmond, Virginia. This new position at an important and historic church will allow him to continue to grow musically and as a minister. Happily, this position also places him two hours from his family and his husband, Michael, who has recently taken a position in Washington, D.C.   Dr. Reynolds joined the staff at Christ Church Cranbrook in December of 2009 as Assistant Organist. His talents were recognized early on, not only for his superlative skills as an organist but also for his love of liturgy and high performance standards. Throughout his tenure, he took increasing responsibility for many aspects of our musical ministry.   Christopher began his organ studies at the age of 12, matriculated at Shenandoah University where he earned both his undergraduate degree and Master's degree. Upon completion of these two degrees, he went on to pursue a Doctor of Musical Arts from The University of Michigan where he studied with world-renowned organist and pedagogue, Dr. Marilyn Mason. He completed his DMA in 2010 and in recent years has concertized as a solo performer throughout the United States.   At Christ Church Cranbrook, he has played the organ for the lion's share of our many liturgical offerings, accompanied the choirs, occasionally played the carillon, emerged as a significant leader in the administration of the music program, and has artfully produced service leaflets. He was also John Repulski's sabbatical replacement, and he was a steady hand during the past year of transition in the music department.   St. Paul's Episcopal Church is an historic church founded in 1843. Located across the street from the Virginia State Capitol, this thriving urban parish has ministered to the needs of the community for over 150 years. Notable parishioners include Civil War General Robert E. Lee and Confederate President Jefferson Davis. The retired Bishop of Newark, the Right Reverend Jon Spong, served as Rector of St. Paul's from 1969-1976. Raymond Glover was Organist and Choirmaster at St. Paul's from 1969 to 1980 until leaving to become the editor of The Hymnal 1982, the current Hymnal of the Episcopal Church.   St. Paul's houses, in the rear gallery, a three-manual mechanical action organ that was built by Manuel Rosales in 1998. The chapel houses the oldest organ in Richmond, a one-manual mechanical action organ built by the celebrated New York organ builder Henry Erben in 1837. St. Paul's has a long tradition of musical excellence, beginning with the Parish Choir that was formed and vested on Easter Day in 1895. There are many opportunities available at St. Paul's for all ages, including an RSCM curriculum choir for children and youth.   Christopher will be moving to Richmond on January 18th. A variety of farewell gatherings are currently being planned. Please stay tuned to those announcements as they come.   Most importantly, please keep Christopher in your prayers as he prepares for this transition. Please pray for each other as we enter this new phase of our life together. May Christopher's ministry be the blessing to St. Paul's it has been to Christ Church Cranbrook.     Yours faithfully,       The Rev. Canon Dr. William J. Danaher, Jr. Rector