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Sep 10, 2012 | Jane Michael

86-Year-Old Priest to Release CD

Carolyn and Chuck Huffman
The Rev. Chuck Huffman and wife, Carolyn
Huffman Daughters

Huffman's daughters, Heather, Beth Ann and Laura

Whether its an alternative band playing a benefit, a Conspirare concert, or a Sing-It-Yourself Messiah---there is always music at St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church. Part of this tradition is the Rev. Chuck Huffman, Rector Emeritus. On September 23, Huffman, 86, with a voice still strong and clear, will release his CD, A Love Letter to St. Matthew’s, as the church celebrates St. Matthew’s Day. 

 

Joining Huffman on the album are his three daughters: Laura Huffman Powell, a veteran of Austin musical theater; Heather Huffman Pierce, musical performer from Nashville, and Beth Ann Huffman Sikes, local writer and poet. Pianist and composer Marc Witmer produced the album and provides the arrangements and instrumentals. 

 

From 1973 until 1975 Huffman led St. Matthew’s congregation in a Folk Mass each Sunday at its hilltop location on Ridge Oak Drive. This was time of great change in the Episcopal Church as it moved to a new, controversial, contemporary liturgy. He guided the church as it moved to its present location on Mesa Drive at Steck and continued the Folk Mass until his retirement in 1991. Huffman continued as part of the choir and frequent soloist. In this collection he sings songs that have touched the lives of Austinites during times of change and growth. 

 

Merrill Wade, Rector of St. Matthew’s, says, “One of the ongoing highlights of Sunday morning worship at St. Matthew’s is when Chuck Huffman sings a solo. He is a wonderful person and priest and has lifted our hearts over and over again.” 

 

Huffman says he had no illusions about recording possibilities at his age but he was encouraged by Wade, Witmer, and St. Matthew’s music director Jean Fuller. Most of all he was encouraged by Carolyn, his wife of 61 years and author of Bloom Where You Are, Meditations on a Rose Garden, and Life Between the Question. 

 

The Rev. Huffman says, “I thank our Heavenly Father for the gift of singing that He has given me. I thank Him for the pleasure it has given me my entire life, but most of all for the means to express my heart-felt joy of love from Him, of Him, and for others.” 

 

The CD can be purchased for $10 at the church office at 8134 Mesa Drive. All proceeds from the sale will go to the Membership and Development Fund of St. Matthew’s. 

 

If you would like any more information about this topic or to schedule an interview with the Rev. Chuck Huffman, contact Jean Fuller at 512.345.8314, ext.221 or