Comments on: World Renowned Organist’s Career Began At Molino Church

By: david lamb

david lamb — Tue, 08 Sep 2015 06:03:07 +0000

@Jim:
“small switches” become large switches!
I spent 23 years flying and maintaining Strategic Air Command “Looking Glass aircraft. One time Is not scheduled to fly, but was riding a response vehicle with other specialist when a call came out for my assistance. Seems a co-worker, who was flying that day, could not get one of the many electronic systems to power up.
The aircraft was ready to take off and could not take off until all systems were operational. This was a special Air Force mission that maintained aerial support over the US 24-7, 365 days a year.. All 4 engines were running and it was crunch time. I hurriedly climbed the ladder to enter this huge Boeing 707(EC-135) and proceeded to where the operator was. He examined his problem, with the General listening. I had no lights on any of that systems equipment, it was a communication system to send messages to our fleet of submarines in the oceans of the world. I looked at master control panel and turned the on-off switch to on. Lo and beholh.. it came to life. “small switches become large switches”

By: nancy

nancy — Mon, 07 Sep 2015 16:18:43 +0000

Listening to Tom with your eyes closed is what the music in heaven will sound like I pray. It is wonderful.

By: Myra Martin

Myra Martin — Mon, 07 Sep 2015 12:48:31 +0000

Tom is the best of the best when it comes to organs. His gifts of love for the instrument and the ability to bring out the very best sounds in each one has blessed so many lives. What a great man he is!

By: Jim

Jim — Mon, 07 Sep 2015 01:09:35 +0000

I was the pastor Aldersgate at the time Tom Helms built the pipe organ. It was a wonderful project which brought the church together in a unique way. At the recital on Feb. 16,1992, the sanctuary was packed. Tom came out dressed in his tuxedo and took his seat at the organ. He touched the keys for the opening piece, and not a sound was made. We waited anxiously as Tom got up from the organ. We could hear his footsteps as he climbed the ladder which took him to the room which houses the pipes and countless other parts. We heard the sound of a “click” which was followed by the sound of his footsteps as he descended and returned to the sanctuary. There was a small switch which had been placed in the “OFF” position, and that small switch had caused Tom a little embarrassment and the rest of us moments of anxiety. When he touched the keyboard this time, wonderful music filled the sanctuary. Tom’s dream of a pipe organ for Aldersgate has blessed and inspired many many worshipers in the years since. To God be the glory…….

By: mq

mq — Sun, 06 Sep 2015 19:04:01 +0000

Love reading about positive and successful people in Escambia County(FL). Too often all you hear about are the ones who choose to do wrong, live wrong, and aren’t interested in making anything of their lives. Some I know aren’t at fault, but others choose to live and be that way.
God has blessed this man and once again William, THANK YOU for sharing a positive and inspirational story.

By: Cindy

Cindy — Sun, 06 Sep 2015 17:58:44 +0000

Tom Helms is also a very humble man in spite of his talent and fame. It’s wonderful that he uses his talent to glorify God as well as to entertain.

By: Terry

Terry — Sun, 06 Sep 2015 14:45:58 +0000

Listening to Tom Helms play last night was truly inspiring. Not only did Tom give a wonderful performance, he engaged the audience with his stories and also taught us a little about the organ, the composers, and the history of the songs he played.

By: Cindy

Cindy — Sun, 06 Sep 2015 13:53:02 +0000

Awesome, awesome recital last night!!

By: Karen Brandt Teets

Karen Brandt Teets — Sun, 06 Sep 2015 13:50:17 +0000

Tom’s (Tommy’s) talents were displayed at school too! I remember sharing a music theory class with him. On my worst days, when I would come into class and hear him play, it would put a smile on my face. He could tell a whole story just by playing the piano as well as the organ.

By: Native 1950

Native 1950 — Sun, 06 Sep 2015 13:23:56 +0000

Amazing job!!! How wonderful…