Gigi Devlin ’24
If you are a regular at Sunday morning Chapel Service, since returning from spring break, you will have noticed a change. Bryan Morgan, Mercersburg’s director of music, has been leading worship in chapel during Reverend Whitmore’s paternity leave. When Whitmore approached Morgan to ask him about taking over, Morgan accepted easily. He recognized Whitmore’s faith in him, and Morgan was eager to take any chance to share God’s love and help a friend.
Morgan grew up in Alabama, attending church every Sunday. He said, “God is the reason why I’m here in the position that I am and I’m thankful for where my life has been.” He tries to share this love whenever he can because one of his mentors once told him that, for some, he might be the only Bible they read.
James Brinson, organist and carillonneur, has been a big support to Morgan, by helping to select the scripture readings for the services. The two work together to find the passages they want to share and discuss the words’ connections to the week’s sermon. They have tried different organizational structures for the service to see what works. While their services are not the same as Whitmore’s, their experimentations can offer suggestions for the future.
Attendance is not high at chapel on Sundays at Mercersburg, so Morgan and Brinson take this into consideration when planning. They often put chairs in a circle near the front of the chapel when Brinson plays piano. This creates a more intimate environment during the Sunday service works really well, according to Morgan. Students are appreciative of the opportunities to share their moments from the week, some even cry happy tears.
Morgan does not think that being a pastor is his calling, but he enjoys giving the sermons and the experience as a whole. Morgan believes that the gifts God has given him are music and teaching, and he is thankful for those blessings.