Guest pianist, organist, violinist plays at Ada Lutheran Church

The Courtland Journal

Ada Lutheran Church was blessed with a wonderful addition to this year’s Christmas eve service. Cayden   Gonzales from Lincoln, Nebraska, was a guest pianist, organist and violinist. He has been learning to play the organ for about a year and a half. While going to school, he works for Bedient Pipe Organ in Lincoln, which tunes, builds and restores organs. He has played at Ada a couple of other times and back in September, along with the owner, Mark Miller, Cayden graciously offered to tune Ada’s organ for allowing him to play. Check out Ada’s Facebook page if you want to have a closer look at the huge set of organ pipes hidden above. You’ll need a big step ladder and a guide if you want to see them in person!

The talented twenty-year old’s piano prelude “Syncing D” was a sure sign we were in for a special night of music. “O Little Town of Bethlehem” was the opening congregational hymn with Cayden’s violin adding to the gentle carol. “O Come All Ye Faithful” found the congregation singing an old favorite while the young organist brought magic from the organ pipes. 

So how did a young man from Lincoln, Nebraska find his way to Ada? Like so much of Ada’s rural heritage where settlers built a church to serve a farming community, it has to do with farming. His grandparents are from Deshler and Cayden was helping his grandfather service a pivot nearby. Turns out they both like trains and as they were headed to Kackley they found Ada. Cayden had always wanted to see a country church so a few years later in July of 2021 he and his grandparents, Gary and Rose Anne Baden, showed up at Ada for a service. Gena Kearn and Cayden chatted after the service and learned about his musical interests. A connection and open invitation were made. Over time Pat Lundblade and Lyle Bergstrom have opened the door several times so he could practice. 

Trains, irrigation, Courtland and a stately landmark country church all came together to welcome Cayden. While visiting with Cayden to get the details right for this story, he told me he was in Courtland once and the lady at the antique store and lunch place knew who he was from playing at church. I said, that’s Shannon Langston, she’s our real-life angel in the community and she was also an usher at Christmas eve service. He said, I love small towns!

Pastor Kathy Aeillo’s Christmas meditation ended with a wish for much joy. Cayden’s multi-musical talents certainly added joy to the most meaningful night of the year in one of the most beautiful churches ever built and still welcoming us in after 149 years. The traditional lighting of candles and dimming the lights, for “Silent Night” was extra special this year and as Pastor Kathy said while looking at the congregation, “You look like believers!” 

As the congregation sang “Joy to the World,” Cayden played the melody on the violin while playing the bass with the organ foot pedals. After the service, the worshippers were delighted to meet the talented young man dressed in a tuxedo.

Cayden told me he has been invited to play for Ada’s 150th Anniversary in September of 2023. I guess I should tell him he needs to add “Jesus Loves the Little Children” to his song list. He is a member of EPIC Church in Lincoln, which stands for Everday People Inspiring Change where he is part of the musical ensemble including vocals.