Almost seventeen years ago, my family was visiting Minnesota on vacation. We received the news that my husband was being assigned to Korea that January 2002. My family would not be able to go. Instead of returning to Georgia, we asked to stay with his mother. She said yes. I made that unexpected move in August of 2001. My children were very young, Stephen (18 months), Elizabeth (4½), Robert (5½) and Victoria (10). I joined St. Matthew’s soon afterwards, knowing I would need much prayer and support during the 16-month separation from my husband.
St. Matthew’s welcomed me with open arms and none were more open than those of the choir director and church administrator, Michael Compton. He invited me to join the choir. I sang a little bit, with my husband’s choir (he was a part time organist at a small Episcopal parish in Hinesville, Georgia). I was intimidated at first because the choir was so amazing. I had a nice tone, but was never trained and was, shall we say, “rhythmically challenged.” Michael was encouraging, nurturing and spent extra hours on Sundays and before weekly rehearsals mentoring me and teaching me basic music theory. He was so very patient. With all the chaos of my life, this gift of time and kindness was incredibly meaningful. I had no idea at the time what a critical role it would play in our lives for the next year and a half.
The September 11 attacks happened within a month of my joining St. Matthews. My husband had just returned to Georgia to prepare for his assignment to Korea. I did not know if he was safe or if the attacks were finished. After all, he was a solider on a large military installation, a likely target. I eventually got connected with him many hours later, but the shock was overwhelming. The world had suddenly became a much more dangerous place for those serving. He was going to Korea, a country then-President Bush had called a part of the “axis of evil.” There were attacks on soldiers happening where he would be assigned. I was terrified I was going to lose him. I was a scared young mother, afraid for her husband, without a lot of energy or resources around her, trying to be strong for her mother-in-law and her four children.
St. Matthew’s was there for me. Michael Compton was there for me—and because he was there for me, he was there for all my family. His patience and kind ear, his giving his time to help me with music, saved me from despair. This may seem strange, that in the midst of this terror in my heart, the simplicity of the task of learning music and the consistency and atmosphere of the rehearsals, provided a place of peace- an opportunity for stillness and rejuvenation of soul. I experienced an atmosphere that inspired people to dig deep, focus, and remember the point of the musical work is to prepare an offering to praise God and lead others in doing the same. This work done for worship at St. Matthew’s was deeply healing for me.
Michael’s leadership, generosity of time and his tender heart-were clear outward manifestations of the Holy Spirit at work. Our family could never repay him for the support he provided. I don’t even know if he truly knows the value of the grace he provided. My husband and I were blessed to be able to visit this Palm Sunday. I was overjoyed to see that Michael was still bringing his enthusiastic spirit to leading the music program. We were invited to sing. During the anthem, I felt the last seventeen years melt away and felt the love of the St. Matthew’s church family—the same love that carried me through during one of the hardest times in my life.
I am glad St. Matthew’s celebrates the gift it has in Michael. I pray you continue to cherish his spirit and afford him the opportunity to bring to bear the full strength of the multitude of the gifts God created in him. I also want to express my deepest thanks to every member of St. Matthew’s for the great love shown my family all those years ago, and for being the church family that continues to support Michael Compton’s work in worship. Know that for me, he will always be the heart of St. Matthew’s grace and hospitality.
My God’s Peace continue to be with you,
Love,
Caroline Genevieve Peabody
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