In Memoriam: Peter Mark Scott, Minister of Music and Organist, Emeritus

Peter Mark Scott, minister of music and organist at St. Stephen Presbyterian Church in Fort Worth for nearly 40 years, died Friday, Oct. 17, 2014. He was 61. Memorial service: 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 1, at St. Stephen Presbyterian Church, 2700 McPherson Ave., Fort Worth, 76109. Memorials: The St. Stephen Presbyterian Church Special Music Fund.

Mr. Scott was born on June 16, 1953, in Amarillo. Upon graduating from Amarillo High School in 1971, he entered Texas Christian University as a Nordan Fine Arts Scholar to study organ with Emmet G. Smith, earning two degrees: Organ Performance (1975) and Church Music (1975). His early organ study was with Lydia Grey and Madeline Henshaw. Choral studies at TCU were with B.R. Henson and Caro Carapeytan, and private voice study with Desire Ligeti. He was elected to Pi Kappa Lambda in 1974. In 1975, Mr. Scott was appointed minister of music and organist at St. Stephen Presbyterian Church in Fort Worth, where he had sole responsibility for administration, teaching, conducting and accompanying a comprehensive music program including children’s, youth, handbell and adult choirs. He was also the founder and administrator of the St. Stephen Special Series, presenting seven to 10 events each season including organ recitals, choral concerts, instrumental concerts and jazz concerts.

In 1993, Mr. Scott oversaw the rebuilding of the sanctuary organ.

In 2000, Mr. Scott was granted a sabbatical leave for the purpose of studying plainsong, which he spent in America, Great Britain, and France, culminating in a three-week stay at the Abbaye Saint-Pierre in Solesmes, France. He also served as the organ clinician at the annual Mo Ranch Music Conference.

Mr. Scott served as chairman of the board, as well as guest conductor for the Schola Cantorum of Texas, and was the interim conductor of the Arlington Choral Society for one season. He also served for many years as the organist for the Wednesday night services at Second Church of Christ, Scientist in Fort Worth.

For over 10 years, Mr. Scott was a member of the adjunct faculty of the University of North Texas, Denton, where he developed the sacred music curriculum. His musical arrangements have been published by MorningStar Publications.

Professional memberships included the American Choral Directors Association, Texas Choral Directors Association, American Guild of Organists, The Organ Club (Great Britain), and the Presbyterian Association of Musicians. For 18 years, Mr. Scott was chairman of the board of the Kinderplatz of Fine Arts, a Fort Worth school focused on learning through the arts.

On Oct. 1, 2014, Mr. Scott was designated minister of music and organist, Emeritus of St. Stephen Presbyterian Church, Fort Worth.

Mr. Scott was preceded in death by his father, Peter Mark Scott Sr., and his mother, Margie Mayfield Ingham Scott. Survivors: His sister, Lillian Sue Scott Thomas of Lakewood, Colo.; his nephew, John Kendall Thomas of Aurora, Colo.; many cousins; many close friends, including John F. Davis, Evelyn “Evie” Higbee, Dirk A. Maney, Guillermo “Willie” Martinez, Peggy and Tommy Wadley; and beloved physician, Catherine A. Colquitt, M.D., all of Fort Worth.