The Right Reverend James A. J. Cowan,
Bishop of British Columbia
with Choir Director, Mary Rogers
Mary Mellesmoen Rogers began her music ministry in Northern Ontario, where she resided in Dryden and served as the organist for St. Mark Lutheran Church in Vermilion Bay. Mary would often travel to the isolated communities of Red Lake, Dinorwic, and Sioux Lookout to play for Christmas pageants and special services. These years are filled with memories of picturesque drives through snow– journeys that would momentarily be interrupted to take in the brilliant northern lights on clear evenings.
Upon moving to British Columbia, Mary served as Director of Music for numerous parishes in Vancouver and Victoria. She especially enjoyed the position of Assistant Organist at Christ Church Cathedral, Victoria. Of her many years at the Cathedral, one of her most memorable moments was on Sunday, October 6, 2002, when she played the recessional hymn for the Morning Prayer service with Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh, Prince Philip, in attendance.
Mary feels truly blessed to be the Director of The Bishop’s Gospel Choir, formed in 2007, and is honoured to work with its many gifted musicians. The Choir’s mission of giving back to the community, and spreading the light and hope of the Gospel throughout it, has proved to be a deeply fulfilling endeavour.
