Name: Calling hours for Emerson F. Harding
Start: 2019-09-30T14:30:00.000Z
End: 2019-09-30T15:00:00.000Z
Location: Rosemont Lutheran Church

Emerson F. Harding, 94, of Allentown, passed away Tuesday, September 24, 2019 in St. Luke's Hospital, Bethlehem. He was born January 13, 1925 in Mohnton, PA, son of the late Paul and Debbie Harding. Emerson was a graduate of Westminster Choir College, Princeton, NJ and dedicated his life to 72 years of being a church organist and choir director. Some of his former students are still actively pursuing music as a life-time profession. Emerson was a student of Virgil Fox of Riverside Church in New York. The churches Emerson served were: Calvary Methodist (1944-48) Mohnton, St. John's Lutheran (1949-53) Boyertown, St. Paul's Lutheran (1954-76) Allentown, St. John's Lutheran (1977-78) Nazareth, St. Michael's-Nativity Lutheran (2002-16) Allentown and Rosemont Lutheran (2011-15) Bethlehem. Emerson was a longtime member of the American Guild of Organists and Dean of the Lehigh Valley AGO Chapter when it hosted the Eastern Chapter of the AGO in the Lehigh Valley area. He was also a member of the Northeastern Pennsylvania Synod, Worship and Music Committee which sponsored monthly music workshops for organists and choir directors of Northeast Pennsylvania. Emerson taught private lessons for many years until the 1990's.

Survivors: He is survived by his longtime friend Donald Gehman of 64 years, many nieces and nephews, great-great nieces and nephews and his sister Ruth N. Arnoldin. He was predeceased by two brothers, the Rev. Warren S. Harding and the Rev. Marvin L. Harding.

Services: 11 am Monday, Rosemont Lutheran Church, 1705 W. Broad St, Bethlehem, PA 18018. Call 10:30 – 11:00 am Monday in the church. Interment will be at the Schoenersville Cemetery on Airport Road. Arrangements by Stephens Funeral Home, Inc. www.stephensfuneral.com.

Contributions may be made to Rosemont Lutheran Church or the Fresenius Kidney Care, 2014 City Line Road, Bethlehem, PA 18017.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Morning Call on Sep. 25, 2019.

Memories and Condolences
for Emerson Harding

Sponsored by Stephens Funeral Home, Inc. - Allentown.

18 Entries

Dave Long

October 11, 2020

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 stranger or friend.

Something odd about the date of his death... in 2019 my dad's assistant pastor Rev David Schaeffer died in the spring, Emerson died in September and almost a full month later my mother died at the age of 99. During the time at St. John's until my father's departure in retirement Emerson and my mother and dad and Rev Schaeffer were very close friends. We were back to the church many times until his leaving St John's Nazareth to enjoy many more services. With my father's passing in 1996, my mother's last year, David Schaeffer's last spring, and Emerson's in September, I imagine heaven has had a kind of St John's departed staff reunion and Mr. Harding is showing them just how it is done at the console of the pipe organ in heaven.

Carl Whitesell

October 7, 2019

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!

Donald Gehman and Emerson Harding, August 2014

Constance Harding Uejio

October 1, 2019

Emerson Harding, Constance Harding Uejio & Dorothy Knauss, May 20, 2006

Constance Harding Uejio

September 30, 2019

Constance Harding Uejio

September 27, 2019

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 Donald's home--we had lots of fun! Dorothy and I enjoyed those fashion show lunches at Hess Brothers! Uncle had a very sporty white Dodge Dart convertible with red interior...I can clearly picture him, with a sporty cap on, driving around enjoying the wind and sunshine. He was a caring son to his parents, a loving brother and brother-in-law, a wonderful uncle and I was greatly blessed through all the years of MY life to have him in it. When I started organ lessons here in Honolulu, he sent me some of his music and ordered new music for me--always supporting my efforts. Uncle Emerson, you are treasured and will be greatly missed. Thank you, Donald, for all you have done for him throughout these many years.

The final Christmas Eve service at St. Michael's. Chris, Emerson and Ben

September 27, 2019

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 stick-in-the-mud", as he sometimes referred to himself. Our condolences to Don and the family. He will be greatly missed.
Christopher, Suzanne, and Benjamin Finch

ginger gable schurawlow

September 26, 2019

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.

Candace Keller

September 26, 2019

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 more difficult than singing loud, etc. etc. This could be two pages long. What I want to say, is Emerson and I were complete opposites, yet we definitely had a mutual love for each other. I taught him to let loose a little and he taught me to behave! There was always a hug for me and I have missed him for many years now. Saying a final goodbye will be sad, but I know his legacy lives on in my beloved church and my soul. Keep playing...your faith is strong and I know where you are! TWMA I will hear your music again!
In deepest Christian Love, my sympathy to Donald, Emerson's family and our entire Christian community!

Susan Pagni

September 26, 2019

Goodbye Emerson. We will miss you.

September 25, 2019

Mr. Harding, Thank You for the mentorship and guidance as individuals you taught matured under your guidance. Your ability to have us extend ourselves to reach the goals of singing, and unify our voices with distinction was very much appreciated.You have changed my life as I went through multiple years of choir at St. Pauls, both the Junior and then Sr. choir allowed me to take my abilities to the schools I attended and sang for. I am totally indebted to you as you shared your abilities with me. Donald ( I sang with you on the Sr. Choir), my heart and prayers are with you and the rest of the family in this trying time. This is the time we need to let our Lord take the reigns as we mourn the loss of a very dear and extremely talented person. Again many thanks, you will not be forgotten, and we shall meet again.

Dr. David Swoyer

Emerson Harding

Jim and Carol Hutchings

September 25, 2019

I think of Emerson in this light. Loved this picture and him. Good man and magic playing that organ. I have fond memories of him at St.Pauls . My condolences to the family!

Roberta Daubenspeck

September 25, 2019

Donald and Harding family, so sorry to hear this news. Emerson Harding was instrumental in fostering the love of good choral music in all of us who grew up in his choirs at St. Paul's.

John and Pat Hutchings

September 25, 2019

A gentleman and a truly gifted musician.
Our condolences to Donald and the family

Ruth and Ken Kuhns

September 25, 2019

Donald and Family,

Ruth and I were deeply saddened to read of Emerson's passing. His musicality was a source of inspiration to us and to the churches he served. His tremendous talents are matched by few. We especially remember the fanfare Emerson played before "Joy to the World" as Christmas Eve turned to Christmas morning and his rendition of the Widor Toccata on Easter. We were honored by his talents at our wedding more than 40 years ago. Emerson was one of the most influential people in my life where I sang on his choir for many years. He was my teacher, mentor, and friend and instilled in me a love of music that has remained with me throughout my life.

We extend our deepest sympathies to family and friends. Take comfort in the fact that Emerson's was a life well lived.

Ron Mordosky

September 25, 2019

Harding Family and friends , Emerson is in a far better place. He has touched so many lives mine included. I will always remember him.

September 25, 2019

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

ST. JOHNS LUTHERAN, NAZARETH

September 25, 2019

HARDING FAMILY: DON'T CRY BECAUSE HIS LIFE IS OVER. SMILE,BECAUSE IT WAS. DEEPEST SYMPATHY. OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH THE FAMILY AT THIS DIFFICULT TIME. MAY HE REST IN PEACE.

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