In 1971 Mary Anne blazer began her ministry of music at St. Mark’s which continues today.  During these past 27 years the vibrancy of the Christian faith has expressed itself in the weekly inspiration of music.  Mrs. Blazer has worked with a variety of formats including the adult choir, youth choirs, hand bell choirs, individual vocal soloists and groups.  Mrs. Blazer has especially enjoyed the introduction of hand bells to this congregation.  Fairborn’s church community has developed a hand bell fellowship. An annual concert is given with several selections performed by the combined group of bell ringers as well as the several individual groups.

In addition to Mrs. Blazer, God has sent to the congregation in recent years a number of talented musicians: Jeanette Bombach, Melanie Bowers, Ron Rohm, Pastor Gordon Glink, and most recently Dr. Doug Goetz.  Dr. Goetz has composed and copyrighted (1998) a special anthem dedicated to St. Mark’s Lutheran Church for its sesquicentennial celebration.  Titled “Praise the Lord” the anthem employs choir, handbells and a brass band.

While Lutherans are known for their musical liturgy and fine congregational singing, church records fail to mention the use of music in the church during the first 50 years of St. Mark’s existence.  Other sources state that it was uncommon during these nineteenth century years for churches to own musical instruments.  Apparently, the first organ owned by this Lutheran congregation was in 1903.  It was made possible by the gifts of the Ladies Aid society.  In 1948 a Wurlitzer organ was purchased by the congregation as part of its centennial observance.  An Allen Electronic organ was purchased in 1969 and it was installed in the balcony.  Until that time the choir loft in the current sanctuary was in the chancel on the left side.  The choir director at that time was Linda Shoaff Boyd who felt that placing the choir in the balcony would help focus the worshipping congregation on the altar and pastor and put the music where it could be heard but the singers not seen.

Anna (Mrs. Ben) Herr was church organist in both the “old” and “new” Osborn from 1919 to 1947.  Her dedicated and loyal volunteer service is still remembered by some today.   Marie Harris, Rachel Riley, Linda Shoaff, Gardner Brown, Cliff Kelto, and Mary Kline were among the other organists.  Ruth Dankert, Eleanor Updike, Linda Shoaff Boyd, Robert Green, Edward Clark, Jerry Elmgren, and Robert Shepfer were all choir directors; some were also named “Director of Music.”  Since the early 1960s the music directors have received a small stipend.  During the years following the Dayton flood and prior to the move (1913-1922) to “new” Osborn, the church lost many members who moved to other communities.  Pastor Harvey Crowell noted that among these was an “organist and eight to ten members of the church choir.”