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Virginia
Briant had been our Organist for years when she decided that it was time
to give up the job in the 1970's. As it happened, there was
an Organist who had played at a Cathedral in Newark for decades.
The church was moving into a style of music that was not compatible with
his basic nature so there was a parting of the ways. His primary
job was a beautician in Sparta. He did my Mother-in-law's hair.
It was through this connection that we were able to find a replacement
for Virginia. Gustav Bischoff remained with us from the late 70's
until 1987 when he passed away. His ashes were lovingly placed in
our cemetery. Mazie Stefanovic arranged for the stone which marks
his grave today.
Gustav
Bischoff was a
very unique individual; full of energy and over flowing with
creativity. In his late years he took to writing poetry, an
avocation that I encouraged him to continue. It was a wonderful
release for the many emotions that Gustav had stored up. Some of his
collection have been captured and published here. I still have an
abundance of his poetry that I will capture and eventually publish on
the web as well. All of Gustav's work was written on notebook pages, torn
scraps of paper and napkins. They arrived at my home in an
envelope postmarked in Sparta where he spent the majority of his time.
He also had a house that his adopted daughter lived in. He elected
to spend his nights in the shop where he eventually slipped into God's
welcoming arms one night while sleeping.
I hope
you will take the time to read the words, of Gustav Bischoff. Keep your mind
open to the message that his beautiful elder gentleman left for you to
read and contemplate upon.
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