Paul Frederick Liljestrand

Dr. Paul Frederick Liljestrand, husband of Rae Esther Danielson Liljestrand, died Thursday, February 17, 2011 in Archbold Hospital in Thomasville, GA. Born in Montclair, NJ on May 15, 1931, he was the son of the late Conrad and Ethel Ahlquist Liljestrand. His musical gifts were recognized at an early age. He studied piano privately before beginning at The Julliard School Pre-College Division, and he continued there through the Masters Degree program. Following graduation from Juilliard, Dr. Liljestrand spent two years in Japan with the US Army, where he was assigned as a Chaplain's Assistant. Returning to New Jersey, he studied for a Masters Degree in Sacred Music at Union Theological Seminary and also took up duties as Organist and Choir Director at Brookdale Baptist Church, where he served for 9 years before his call to Calvary Baptist Church in New York City. He also taught and was Chairman of the Music Department at both Northeastern Bible College and at Nyack College. A director of the Nyack Chorale, he led his students on many tours of Europe and the US. He also taught piano, organ and composition. A prolific composer, Dr. Liljestrand wrote hymns, service music, and anthems for both full choir and women's voices. The world premiere of his oratorio, O God Our Help was presented at the Norton Meyerson Symphony Center in Dallas, TX, and the New York premiere was performed at the renowned Carnegie Hall in 1993. A master accompanist, he went on many tours with bass-baritone Simon Estes and also accompanied many New York City professional musicians at their recitals. He was noted for his organ improvisations and gave many dedicatory organ recitals. Retiring after thirty-years at Calvary Baptist Church, Dr. Liljestrand spent nine years as Organist and Choir Director at Union Congregational Church in Montclair, NJ. During that period he continued to teach at Nyack College. In 2003, Dr. and Mrs. Liljestrand moved to Thomasville, GA where Paul became Organist and Choir Director at St. Thomas Episcopal Church. Sensing a need for local artists to have a place to share their gifts, he began the "Sundays at Four" concert series, which is now part of Thomas University's "Arts for the Community" program. In addition, he started the "Fridays at Noon" concert series and served as an accompanist at Thomasville On Stage and Company. He also taught piano and served as mentor and accompanist for many young Thomasville musicians. Most recently Paul served as the Music Director at Trinity Anglican Church. He was known to those at Trinity not only as an amazing musician, but also as a mentor, teacher and friend with a compassionate heart. During the construction of Trinity's new building, Paul came to pray on site almost every day. A gifted artist in oils, he had his paintings featured in exhibitions. In addition to his wife of fifty-four years he leaves sons Christian Beth and Stephen Karin, and grandchildren Christian, Sarah and Bryn. Visitation will be held at Trinity Anglican Church, 325 West Jackson Street, Thomasville, GA, on Monday, February 21, from 5-7 pm. A Eucharist service at Trinity will conclude the visitation at 7 pm, officiated by the Rev. Shari Hobby. The funeral service will be held at First Baptist Church, Thomasville, GA, on Tuesday, February 22, at 2 pm, officiated by the Rev. Jim Hobby, with the assistance of the Rev. Dan Spencer and the Rev. Dr. Robert Slane. Interment will follow at Laurel Hill Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to "Nyack College"memoed: the Dr. Paul F. Liljestrand Memorial Scholarship Fund, Nyack College School of Music, 1 South Boulevard Rd, Nyack, NY 10960. Guests may sign the online guest register at www.allenfh.com