FACES OF FAITH

Community Profiles at St. Andrew's

Jordan Klapman

1) What is your favourite hymn?

"Joshua Fought the Battle Of Jericho", because it clearly illustrates the power of music to literally break down walls that humans attempt to build in order to separate themselves from God and each other. And because the hymn confirms the belief that focused music can be a divine source of strength, and a catalyst for redemption.

2) Do you have a favourite passage from the Bible?

1 Corinthians 13:4-13. My wife Elizabeth (Betsy) suggested (nay, insisted) on including this passage in our marriage ceremony which was co-officiated by Rev. Cameron Brett. I agreed with its inclusion at the time, but it took me several years and having a couple of great children with Betsy before I began to really understand and appreciate the passage's profound wisdom. It still resonates very deeply.

3) What is the best book (biblical or non-biblical) that you have read in the last six months?

"The World In Six Songs" by Daniel J. Levitin.

4) What is your favourite style of music, and what is likely on your stereo / ipod / car radio right now?

I truly love great popular music of all kinds, so what I am currently listening to and rehearsing includes a great  number of jazz and pop songs, romantic ballads, and classic Broadway tunes. In other words, all of the wonderful music that I will be presenting February 14 with several very talented friends at our Valentine's Day concert, "LOVE, Etc.", to raise money for the Out Of the Cold programme.

5) What is your earliest memory of church?

I have a strong and very fond memory of the first time I accompanied hymns on the piano for services at St Bartholomew's Church in the town of Gustavia, St. Bart's, in the French West Indies, circa 1991. It was the first time I had ever done anything like that on a regular basis, and coincidently, the first time that I felt completely inspired while inside a house of worship.

6) What attracted you to become a part of the St. Andrew's community, and what keeps you here?

At first it was to hear my wife Elizabeth (Betsy) sing, as she is a long-standing member of the choir. Over many years I have been greatly moved and inspired by the exceptional music I've been privileged to hear in this church. St. Andrew's music directors and choir have thoroughly and consistently enriched my musical awareness, experience of worship, and life. It was the music here that first brought me in the front door, and that appreciation remains as strong as ever. But I have also been delighted to discover much more here after being invited by Will Ingram to participate in St. Andrew's Out of the Cold programme. It is a wonderful and life-changing programme, for everyone concerned. And the volunteers' fellowship, hospitality, and willingness to their roll up their sleeves and get the job done continues to inspire me and keep me coming back to this extraordinary place.

7) What is your greatest hope for St. Andrew's?

That a renaissance of musical activity at St. Andrew's will begin immediately, spurred on by the timely purchase of a fine grand piano for the sanctuary. I dream of many great musicians and classical, popular and jazz music performances then filling this wonderful church with audiences and fulfilling its tremendous cultural potential in the larger community. My greatest hope is that St. Andrew's will successfully establish itself as one of Canada's leading live music performance venues. And I welcome the opportunity to do what I can to help make this dream a reality!