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Meet our St. Joseph Pipe Organ Committee Members

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Ashley Darnall

Ashley is from Louisiana and attended the University of Alabama. She married an Auburn boy, Lyle, and moved to Columbia in December 1999. Ashley and Lyle have been parishioners of St Joseph since that time.  The Darnalls have two daughters, Elliott and Claire.  Ashley is excited about working on the new organ committee!  

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Katherine and Howard Ellstrom

Katherine and Howard have been married 57 years and are proud parents of two daughters and four grandchildren. Their passions include family, travel, music, reading, hiking, and St. Joseph Church.  Twenty years ago, the Ellstroms visited St. Joseph (as Protestants) and asked then music director, Teresa Riley, if they could sing in the choir which they did for 13 years. In due course Katherine and Howard immersed themselves in the Catholic faith, went through RCIA, and were happily confirmed!

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Michael Dickson

Misty and Michael Dickson were married at St. Joseph Church in 1994. They have three children. Michael teaches medieval philosophy and philosophy of music at USC, sings in the St. Joseph schola cantorum, and serves as a cantor. Michael once competed for the United States amateur triathlon team at the world championships. He studied French Horn performance and played in orchestras prior to becoming a professional philosopher. He is an avid pipe organ enthusiast and has the idea to build a small organ in his home, himself.

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Carol and Jed Shropshire

Carol and Jed moved to Columbia more than 30 years ago and joined St. Joseph Parish in 1989. Carol has enjoyed two stints totaling 13 years, singing in the choir. They have three grown children and four grandchildren. In addition to being a full-time mother, Carol has been an elementary school teacher, and a sales manager for a fashion design company. After a 44 year career in IT sales, and management with three companies, Jed retired two years ago and enjoys his golf and exercise hobbies. Since retiring, in addition to spoiling their grands, they have enjoyed a couple of trips a year visiting several cathedrals with world class pipe organs. They look forward to visiting others in the future with an enhanced perspective gained serving on this committee.

Staff Representatives

Rev. Msgr. Richard D. Harris, VG, Pastor
Worth Lewallen, Director of Music
Tawfiq Hodaly, Director of Facilities

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