Emerson F. Harding

My father was the pastor of St John's Lutheran in Nazareth, PA. I believe Emerson was there many years... not two as listed here. I moved to Florida in 1980, but in the years of going to his services conducted under my dad, our family were often moved to tears by the powerful use of our pipe organ and his extreme skill in mastering any music piece. He was essential in the redesign of our church organ in 1976 I believe was the year. He was always gracious and kind to everyone, no matter if...

I knew Emerson long before I actually met him through his well known musical mastery and accomplishments. I followed him from St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Allentown to St. John's Lutheran Church in Nazareth. I will always remember how Emerson enhanced everyone's worship. Receive God's reward!

Dear Uncle Emerson......my musical mentor since I was a little girl. I started piano lessons with him in 2nd grade; we would travel to St. Paul's Lutheran Church, in the Choir Room, for my lessons. He always continued to be interested in what I was learning as we moved and I grew up in Reading, PA. I enjoyed playing at the churches he served, piano and then harp. I played with his Senior Choir several times for oratorios. Frequently, I stayed overnight at Uncle Emerson's, Dorothy and...

We are saddened to see the passing of Emerson. He ably stepped in as organist and choir director for St. Michael's Lutheran Church after Ruth Harding (his sister-in-law) could no longer play. We always loved to hear him play. Ben, our son, and I enjoyed singing on the St. Michael's choir. For Ben's Eagle ceremony, Emerson's present to Ben was to play the prelude. His selections were very patriotic and featured tunes with many references to eagles. We appreciated the fine work from the "old...

Mr. Harding was the choir director and organist at St Pauls Lutheran church in
Allentown. My brothers and I all sang in the
choir in our preteen years. Needless to say
that was many years ago. One of my brothers
passed away 20 years ago - and much to my surprise Mr Harding attended the service.
He remember us from our choir days. I am
willing to bet that he remembered all of
the children in his choirs.

Saddened, of course, to hear of Emerson's passing, but the many memories, make me smile (and even laugh a bit). I was a young teenager and sang in the youth choir...hence to say, always in trouble. Emerson was a spirit to expect respect and understanding. At first that was NOT the case, however he never gave up on me and I never gave up on making him smile and laugh. Let's just say we finally got there! He taught me many things, diction, how to pause at all the commas, singing soft is...