John R. Rodland Memorial Scholarship History The John R. Rodland Memorial Scholarship Fund was established by the Northern New Jersey Chapter of the American Guild of Organists to financially assist organ students at any age level who exhibit talent and interest in the study of music as utilized in religious services of any type, and whose continuance in such study is hindered by lack of funds. John R. Rodland was a man blessed by God with exceptional talents of service and music sensitivity. He was a friend to all, a mentor to those who sought his wisdom, a teacher to those who were in his charge, and a servant to all who came to worship. “Jack” was a man who enriched the lives of all who knew him. His life was dedicated to the total worship environment of the church. A native of Altoona, Pennsylvania, Jack earned his Master’s Degree in Sacred Music, summa cum laude, from Union Theological Seminary in New York City. After service to the First Presbyterian Church in Rutherford, New Jersey, he returned to Union Seminary for his Master’s of Divinity and was ordained in 1980. He and his wife, Joanne Harris Rodland, shared in the direction of a vast music program at the West Side Presbyterian Church in Ridgewood, New Jersey, until his untimely death in October 1989. Joanne Rodland continues to serve there as Minister of Music.
