MONROE — Midday Masterworks, a quarterly organ mini-recital series, will present a program titled “Hymns of Bounty and Blessing” from 12:15 to 12:45 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 23 at the United Methodist Church, 2227 4th St., Monroe. Due to a scheduling conflict at St. Victor Catholic Church (St. Clare of Assisi Parish), the program, which is usually repeated there later in the day, will only be presented at the United Methodist Church of Monroe this time.

In a diversion from the usual program format of solo organ compositions, Monroe organist Deborah Krauss Smith will lead the audience in the singing of familiar and favorite hymns for the fall/harvest season. Included are “Guide Me, O Thou Great Jehovah,” “Praise to the Lord, the Almighty,” a medley of Thanksgiving hymns, “For the Beauty of the Earth,” “A Mighty Fortress is Our God,” and others. Words for the hymns will be provided for the audience.

A graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, Krauss-Smith has a double applied major in both organ and voice, having begun organ studies in Monroe with the late Merruth Seaton, continuing with Jerry Evenrud and David O. Parsons while at UW-EC, and then for many years with the now late Lawrence G. Kelliher, former longtime organist/music director of Bethel Lutheran Church in Madison. 

She has served congregations of various denominations as a church musician in Monroe, Eau Claire and Madison for over 40 years. In 2012 and 2014, she had the privilege of leading Madison Symphony Orchestra-sponsored hymn sings, playing the Klais organ in the Overture Hall of the Overture Center for the Arts in downtown Madison. A member of the American Guild of Organists, she is currently vice president/AGO chapter sub-dean of the Madison-based Association of Church Musicians. The granddaughter of Swiss and German immigrants to Green County, she has also directed the Monroe Swiss Singers mixed choir since 1985.

Midday Masterworks began in 2002. The half-hour programs are themed and include quality music for organ that is enjoyable by general audiences of all ages.

The church is handicapped-accessible with ample parking. A free-will donation is accepted, all of which goes to the maintenance fund for the church’s instrument. More detailed information is available at coldspringsroad.com/middaymasterworks.html.