The Church Musicians Guild of Buffalo: From Catholic Choirmasters to Church Musicians 1946-2021

Founded in 1946, The Church Musicians Guild of Buffalo has dedicated itself to the promotion of excellent liturgical music in the diocese of Buffalo. This book describes the origins of the movement and its leaders from John Singenberger’s efforts in the Midwest to Leo Roy family’s contribution in western New York. Daughter Cecelia Roy Kenny joined forces with Sister Mary Grace Ryan, Monsignor Henry Kawalec and Monsignor Paul Eberz to form the Catholic Choirmasters Guild for primarily organists and choir directors. The endeavor of these founders resulted in a highly coordinated effort in publishing the diocesan hymnal Cantate Omnes. In response to the influence of the Second Vatican Council (1962-1965), the organization renamed itself the Church Musicians Guild to acknowledge and encourage the skills and talents of diverse musical ministries of the new liturgy. In 1983, the local organization became a chapter of the newly formed National Association of Pastoral Musicians.Now in its 75th year of existence, the Church Musicians Guild of Buffalo is the oldest chapter in the national organization.