John L. Edwards_First Presbyterian_Oklahoma City

Appointed organist and director of music

Died on September 23

Barbara Benefiel Elder, 88, of Tulsa, Oklahoma, died July 23. She was born September 3, 1931, in Coffeyville, Kansas. She began taking piano lessons at age 5 and played her first solo recital at age 13, receiving musical honors during her school years in Coffeyville. Benefiel graduated summa cum laude in 1953 from Hastings College, Nebraska, with a Bachelor of Arts degree, the second person to graduate with a 4.00 average in the history of the college. She earned a Master of Music degree from the University of Tulsa with a 4.00 average in 1960.

This article is a continuation of a series in the August 2015, June 2016, July 2017, February 2018, June 2018, and March 2021 issues of The Diapason. The information was delivered as a lecture for the Midwinter Pipe Organ Conclave on January 19, 2015, in La Grange, Illinois. The research for this project provides a history of a number of pipe organs in the village, but not all. For instance, organs in residences and theaters are not surveyed.