A grand piano for God’s house

The legacy of Margaret Zumptf – A Thanksgiving day dedication

by Paul Cozad
Niagara Wheatfield Tribune, December 14, 2006

Margaret’s grand piano was played publicly for the first time at the Thanksgiving Day service at St. Matthew Lutheran Church.

This is a compelling story of one woman’s love for her church, a house of God in North Tonawanda known as St. Matthew Lutheran Church.

Originally from Sopron, Hungary, Margaret was born in 1928 and married Adalbert Zumpft. Having survived the war, they immigrated to the United States in 1956, making North Tonawanda their home. In the 1960s, Margaret began attending St. Matthew when it was still an older church on Wheatfield Street, and she soon became a member. In 1974, under the leadership of its dynamic pastor, the Rev. A.W. Moldenhauer, she saw St. Matthew build a beautiful new church with spacious grounds on Eggert Drive off Walck Road.

Margaret became a widow much too early in life, and so devoted herself to her church. She was active in various groups, serving as president of the Ladies Guild, plus attending Pastor’s Bible class for over 20 years. Her life was an example of humble dedication, always helping out wherever she could, serving without complaint. She was indeed a true Christian with an unshakable faith in God and his promise of heaven’s eternal glory. I’m certain she is there today, having left this earth in March of this year after a short illness.

Margaret worked as a lab technician at Roswell Park Cancer Institute for 25 years, retiring in 1983. As the years passed by, she realized she was entering the winter of her life and began planning for her eventual passing, deeply wanting to leave something for St. Matthew. Then about six years ago, she decided to take out a life insurance policy, leaving its sizable funds to her church. This should have been a simple process upon her passing, but as often occurs with a large sum of money, even within a church, a problem arose.

About two weeks before her death, and knowing her time was near, Margaret had a close friend write a “last wish” letter, which she signed and was witnessed. This letter clearly stated the insurance money was to “purchase two pianos and other music-related equipment.” Margaret especially wanted a grand piano, the best her money could buy. But since her insurance policy legally left the money to “St. Matthew Church,” some church leaders did want to honor her “last wish” letter. Instead, they wanted to buy things they wanted for the church.

This disagreement, heated at times, went on for several months until it was finally resolved at a well-attended voter’s meeting. The voters overwhelmingly agreed that the Christian and moral way was to honor Margaret’s last wishes. There would be a grand piano for God’s house. Margaret could rest in peace.

Several persons from the music department, including Dave Ganschow and Tom Goodrich, had already searched for and found that perfect grand piano. After careful planning, and about a week before Thanksgiving, Margaret’s grand piano was gently lifted into the balcony into its special place alongside the church organ. It would be played publicly for the first time at the Thanksgiving Day service.

The Thanksgiving Day service began with our beloved Pastor Moldenhauer dedicating this service and the grand piano to the memory of Margaret Zumpft.

Folks, you should have been there, because it was a service I will never forget. After pastor’s opening remarks and prayer, he motioned towards the balcony. The words on the plaque dedicating Margaret’s grand piano were read … and then it happened. The most beautiful velvety tones I have ever heard from a piano began to flow from the balcony above. They were almost angelic, harmoniously wafting across the congregation below, touching them with Margaret’s favorite hymns, “The Old Rugged Cross” and “Amazing Grace.”

Many faces had an entrenched look as Margaret’s grand piano was artfully played by our gifted church organist, Goodrich. You must experience it people, as Tom does not just play the organ or piano. His heart and soul flows through his hands and becomes the music being played. Truly awesome.

And so it was, a man with God-given talent giving life to Margaret’s legacy, filing the church and our hearts with her favorite hymns. Unforgettable!

Pastor then called all veterans in the congregation up front to lead the Pledge of Allegiance. As their voices stilled, Ganschow, another gifted musician, flawlessly played a beautiful but haunting version of Taps on his mellowed trombone. Eyes welled up as each veteran remembered … I know I did.

Later, Ganschow gain lifted his trombone in concert with the talented Chimes Choir, playing their special rendition of “Amazing Grace.” Their unique music gently cascaded from the balcony to the congregation below. One could truly feel each musician, choir and speaker, as they gave glory to God in memory of Margaret, their music and words becoming an avenue for faith an inspiration in our lives.

Throughout this unique service, Goodrich continued to play Margaret’s grand piano as accompaniment for several choirs, each time adding her eternal spirit to the music. You could envision Margaret’s smiling face as the church softly reverberated this Thanksgiving Day with her last earthly wish, a grand piano for St. Matthew, God’s house.

I’m sure her halo now shines much brighter.

Paul Cozad, a World War II veteran, is a devout Christian and member of St. Matthew Lutheran Church. His numerous articles appear in local papers. A book of his religious poems is being prepared for publishing.