Roger Beebe Arnold, of Omaha, Nebraska, died on February 10. Born in Willimantic, Connecticut, Mr. Arnold began piano lessons at the age of nine, and decided, in his teens, to make his life's work that of a church organist. After serving as a chaplain's assistant in the Navy during World War II, he pursued his Bachelor's studies at Yale University, where his organ teacher was Luther Noss. Receiving his Master of Sacred Music degree in 1950 from Union Theological Seminary, where among his teachers were Hugh Porter, Searle Wright, and Harold Friedell, he took a position at Huntington Court Methodist Church, Roanoke, Virginia. In 1959 he became minister of music at First Central Congregational Church, Omaha, Nebraska, which houses a 1947 G. Donald Harrison Aeolian-Skinner organ. During his tenure there, which concluded at the end of 1983, Mr. Arnold was instrumental in the design and installation of a two-manual-and-pedal antiphonal organ. He taught privately for many years and served three terms as Dean of the Omaha AGO Chapter. In 1984 he became organist at St. Paul United Methodist Church, Omaha, where he oversaw major tonal and mechanical improvements to the 1957 Reuter organ, and from which he retired in 1998. He is survived by his wife, four daughters and their husbands, eight grandchildren, a brother, three sisters, nieces and nephews.
Theodore Marier, FAGO, ChM, died on February 24. He was 88 last October 17, a birthday he shared with Herbert Howells, whose music he performed and admired. Born in Fall River, Mr. Marier grew up in Dedham and held degrees from Boston College and Harvard University, as well as honorary doctorates from Catholic University, Washington, DC; St. Anselm's College, New Hampshire; and the Pontifical Institute, Rome. He was also honored as a Knight Commander of St. Gregory by Pope John Paul II. A distinguished choral conductor, organist, composer, editor, and author, he taught at many colleges and universities in this country and in Europe. He was known worldwide for his passion for Gregorian Chant and his teaching and performance of chant. His most recent work included conducting the Benedictine Sisters of the Abbey of Regina Laudis in Bethlehem, Connecticut, in two CD recordings of Gregorian Chant, and the publication of two books: Gregorian Chant Practicum (Catholic University Press), and his hymnal, Hymns, Psalms and Spiritual Canticles. He was at work on revisions for a new edition of the hymnal just days before his death. Perhaps his most significant achievement was the founding of the Boston Archdiocesan Choir School at St. Paul's in Cambridge (Boston Boy Choir), which he accomplished in 1963 during his 52-year tenure as parish music director. When he “retired” from St. Paul's at the age of 74, he became Justine Ward Professor of Liturgical Music at Catholic University in Washington, DC, a post he held until his death. Marier is survived by his daughter, two sons, and five grandchildren. Over 40 choir school alumni and friends joined the choirboys in his tribute at a funeral liturgy at St. Paul's, presided over by Bernard Cardinal Law, who, as a Harvard student, had sung under his direction.
