Quiet Removal Of Organist Hits Sour Note

Uncharacteristic sour notes are being sung by some St. John’s Episcopal Cathedral parishioners after the abrupt, mysterious dismissal of their beloved organist.

At few churches would the ouster of an organist matter to anyone outside the sanctuary doors. But the music scene at St. John’s is on a level of excellence that sets it far above the ordinary.

On a lofty perch inside the imposing gothic landmark on Spokane’s South Hill sits a world-class pipe organ. For 20 years, it has been expertly played by one of the city’s better known and highly regarded classical musicians.

Charles Bradley was there, that is, until July 9. On that day Bishop Jeff Terry summarily showed the musical director the door.

Bradley, 59, did more than command the Cathedral’s massive, complex organ. Educated in Baltimore’s Peabody Conservatory of Music, he expertly selected music for worship services and directed the choir.

He performed occasionally with the Spokane Symphony. Bradley has been heavily involved with the Cathedral and the Arts Commission, accompanying silent films and performing concerts for the public.

The man’s presence and abilities over the years generated a stack of favorable reviews and publicity for the cathedral.

Because of Bradley’s high profile, St. John’s is tiptoeing over egg shells to make everyone believe his departure was a routine, mutual decision.

An unsigned church memorandum being handed out assures members “… both Charles and the Cathedral believe that it is time for each to seek a different direction in their respective lives.”

Disproving this malarkey simply takes a request for a comment from the Bradleys. “Our attorney has advised us not to talk,” Charles or his wife, Linda, say in undeniably grief-stricken tones.

Since when do gag orders become part of a routine, mutual resignation?

Close friends of the family confirm the Bradleys are devastated.

Being forced to quit, they say, couldn’t have come at a worse time. It happened a week after the couple returned from a sad trip to the funeral of Charles’ mother and to inter the ashes of Linda’s late mother.

“Has anyone thought about the repercussions to this family? This has torn them apart,” says St. John’s choir member Marguerite Green.

“It pains me to think that the cathedral would act like a big corporation and be totally heartless.”

“It’s a terrible shock to everyone,” adds church member Gertrude Harvey. “I think the place is still reeling.”

So much for damage control.

Trying to find a reason for Bradley’s firing is a frustrating proposition.

“This is a private employment matter,” says Bishop Terry, adding that he realizes people are upset.

As a result of the lack of candor, the unexplained nature of all this has fueled the St. John rumor mill.

Some believe Bradley was let go to save money because attendance is down and the church is searching for a new dean. Others say Bradley’s classical leanings butted heads with Terry’s desire to modernize the music.

Church officials and Bradley supporters are united on one thing. No impropriety or scandal on Bradley’s part brought about his removal.

His firing may be as frustratingly arbitrary as the Rev. Edward Glynn’s recent ouster as president of Gonzaga University. He was let go, according to a board member, because of “deep philosophical differences,”

Bradley’s removal was strictly Terry’s show. No vote was taken by the governing board, according to the Rev. Kenneth Beason, the Cathedral’s assisting priest.

As Bishop, Terry has the authority to intervene in the daily running of the church.

Whatever led to the dismissal, St. John members have a valid complaint against the way the Bradley matter was handled and the smoke screen that followed.

One would pray the Golden Rule still applies at a house of God.

, DataTimes