Board of Reference

Dr. Paul Manz

Dr. Paul Manz (1919-2009) Paul Manz, the great composer, organist, teacher, and faithful servant of the Church, passed away on October 28, 2009. Gloriae Dei Cantores held both Paul and his wife Ruth in high regard, for their untiring work for excellence and authenticity in the music of the Church. He was one of those rare individuals who was able to fulfill his dual calling as a soloist and parish musician without compromise. Dr. Manz held a position on Gloriae Dei Cantores’ Board of Reference for many years, a service for which the choir will always be grateful.

Back in September 2009, before departing for their concert tour, Gloriae Dei Cantores learned that Paul Manz had entered the final phase of his earthly life. Throughout the tour, the choir sang his beautiful motet, “E’en So, Lord Jesus, Quickly Come,” as a prayer for this great man and for his family. The choir will always perform this piece as a prayer of thanksgiving for his life, for the love of true worship through music that he instilled to so many, and for the faith and obedience he demonstrated in his calling as a musician of the Church.

“Your training of the choir and your conducting give much joy and pleasure to those of us who listen with awe. You do everything with such little effort, gaining maximum results. Both Ruth and I regard you with much admiration and appreciation.”
From a letter to director Elizabeth Patterson, from the late Paul Manz