Ranee Reitz to Succeed Dr. Wharton As Organist at St. Mark’s Church

Ranee Reitz, who was active musically in Easton for many years, has been named organist at St. Mark’s United Methodist Church. She succeeds the late Dr. Bill Wharton, who died May 19.

Ranee Reitz

Ms. Reitz, who lived in Easton from 1969 to 2000, was organist at Christ Church (Episcopal) and taught music in Talbot County public schools.

Her appointment was announced by Scott Claussen, St. Mark’s music director, who said Ms. Reitz brings great talent and experience to the position that was held by the late Dr. Wharton for 52 years.

She most recently lived in Boyertown, PA., where she was organist and director of music at St. John’s Lutheran Church for 15 years. She also directed numerous bell and vocal choirs in that community.

Born in Valley View, PA., Ms. Reitz began her music career there at Trinity Lutheran Church. After receiving a degree in music education from Penn State University, she moved to Easton and taught music in the Talbot County public schools. She also began serving as organist and choir director at Christ Church. Later she had the added responsibility of director of Christian education and teacher in the church’s pre-school.

In 2000, Ms. Reitz completed a Master’s degree in church music at Shenandoah University in Winchester, VA., and moved to Boise, ID, where she served as canon for ministry support and education for the Episcopal Diocese of Idaho. During that time she also served as organist and choir director at All Saints Episcopal Church and later at King of Glory Lutheran Church in Boise.

In 2004, Ms. Reitz moved to Boyertown where she served as organist and music director at St. John’s Lutheran Church until this year when she retired. In August, she moved back to Easton, where her daughter Rebecca, and son-in-law Tom Crotti, and grandson, Nicholas, live. Another daughter, Maggie, lives in West Chester, PA.

During her previous years in Easton, Ms. Reitz said she was friends with her predecessor, Dr. Wharton. Ms. Reitz recalls, “We performed concerts together and one time about 20 years ago Dr. Bill let me use the St. Mark’s organ for my graduate recital.”

Ms. Reitz said she believes the organist’s job is to enhance worship. “The organ and all music,” she said, “should enhance the worship experience and ultimately help people to encounter their God.”