For thee, they sing: St. Agnes honors Bower and Haynes

Four cathedral choirs, an orchestra, numerous soloists, and hundreds of people — including Mayor Mary Bossart and many priests from the Diocese of Rockville Centre — paid tribute to Michael L. Bower and Holliday Haynes’ 25 years of service in a concert and gala reception on June 6 at St. Agnes Cathedral.

Bower, co-director of music at the cathedral, and Haynes, a cantor, were honored for their long-standing dedication to the parish and its music.

“It’s difficult to believe I ‘ve been here for 25 years,” Bower said. The honoree also observed that in his 25 years, the “music ministry [at St. Agnes] has grown strong and put down solid roots and flourished.”

Many parishioners, family members, and friends — as well as colleagues from the United States and Europe — wrote well-wishes to Bower and Haynes for the event. Their comments were organized by the concert committee into souvenir commemorative anniversary programs.

After remarks and a blessing offered by Msgr. William Koenig, Bossart presented citations to Bower and Haynes for their hard work and dedication to St. Agnes. The concert that followed featured many choral and orchestral favorites, including “the Hymn to St. Agnes” and “Old Hundredth,” dedicated to the late Bishop John R. McGann who hired Haynes and Bower in 1985.

The musical tribute also included the world premier of a newly commissioned work by Matthew Koraus, a local composer who is a student of Bower’s.

In remarks to the audience, Haynes praised the parish and, in particular, the many priests who have served at St. Agnes for treating her so wonderfully. “This is truly a wonderful village and community,” she said.