Robert J. Powell, born July 22, 1932, in Benoit, Mississippi, died January 17 in Greenville, South Carolina. He exhibited musical ability as a young child, serving as the organist at his local church by the age of ten. During that period, he began composing music—first at the keyboard and by the age of twelve, a choral composition, “How Far Is It to Bethlehem,” which is his earliest known named work. He composed sacred music until the end of his life with more than 1,200 pieces published, including numerous hymns.
Powell graduated from Louisiana State University, served in the United States Army, and earned a Master of Sacred Music degree at Union Theological Seminary, New York City. He was an organist at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine, New York City, organist and choir director at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, Meridian, Mississippi, and music master at St. Paul’s School, Concord, New Hampshire. Powell was a Fellow of the American Guild of Organists.
In 1968 he was named organist and choirmaster at Christ Episcopal Church in Greenville where he served for 35 years. After retirement he took organist and choir directing roles at smaller churches. At the time of his death he was serving the Church of the Redeemer, Episcopal, Greenville.
Robert J. Powell is survived by his wife of 67 years, Nancy Craine Powell, also an organist and former organ recitalist, as well as three children, five grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren.
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