Beginning in 1912, Portland’s Municipal Organists were auditioned and selected by a city-appointed Music Commission. In 1976, Douglas Rafter was selected by an Ad Hoc committee assembled by the City Manager’s office. After Mr. Rafter resigned in 1981, the Friends of the Kotzschmar Organ was formed and assumed responsibility of selecting municipal organists. Once an organist has been chosen, his or her name is put before the Portland City Council for official approval. Dr. Malcolm Cass, a founding and former member of the FOKO board, once served as interim Municipal Organist during 1981-1982.
Following are the organists who have occupied this position:
Will C. Macfarlane
1912 – 1918
Irvin John Morgan
1919 – 1920
Edwin H. Lemare
1921 – 1923
Charles Raymond Cronham
1924 – 1932
Will C. Macfarlane (again)
1932 – 1934
Alfred Brinkler
1934 – 1952
John E. Fay
1952 – 1976
Douglas Rafter
1976 – 1981
Gerald McGee
1983 – 1988
Earl L. Miller
1988 – 1989
Ray Cornils
1990 – 2017
James Kennerley
2018 – present
