News & Announcements

On June 6—we welcome our new organist and assistant director of music, Dr. Christopher Keenan. As we shared in the March Messenger, Dr. Keenan comes to us with considerable

gifts and experience both as an organist and church musician. A native of Tennessee, he knows a lot about Baltimore. Chris received a Bachelor of Music degree, specializing in organ, from The Peabody Conservatory of Music in 2012. After Peabody, Chris continued his studies at the University of Texas, Austin, where he completed a Master of Music in organ in 2014, followed by a Doctor of Musical Arts in organ in 2016.

He has served in Disciples of Christ, Presbyterian, United Methodist, and Episcopalian congregations. Easter Sunday was his last day at St. Michael’s Episcopal Church in Charleston, SC, where he was Director of Music and Broadcasting (yes, broadcasting). Chris has worked with children’s choirs, conducted bell choirs, and led contemporary worship services.

If you missed worship on February 21, I encourage you to listen to the service music. I was especially moved by his playing of the opening hymn “Holy, Holy, Holy! Lord God Almighty!” Have a listen. Chris also has his own YouTube Channel that includes recordings from recitals held in historic venues in both the United States and Europe. He has also participated and placed in many international organ competitions.

In addition to being a church musician, Chris is also a firefighter and EMT worker. From his EMT experience, Chris has now discerned a call to go into medicine, which is what has led him back to Baltimore. This month Chris joins the post-baccalaureate/pre-med program at Goucher

College in Towson. While this will take up a lot of his time, focus, and attention in the year ahead, he didn’t want to set aside his love of music and his love of working in the church. Chris plans to apply for medical school within the year. His first choice is the University of Maryland, but we will have to wait and see. In the meantime, God has blessed us with an outstanding candidate who is eager to join the staff and be part of the ministry of CatonsvillePresbyterian Church. Welcome, Chris!