AC Instructor Appointed World Honor: Swetland to Serve as Worthy Grand Organist of the World

Rosemary Swetland has endured enough of life’s storms to know that often, following the torrents, there’s a rainbow or two.

Now, after more than 40 years of dedicated service as a pianist/organist, she’s received the pot of gold that comes with the rainbow.

Swetland, an area piano teacher and adjunct instructor at Angelina College, recently learned that the General Grand Chapter of the Eastern Star has appointed her Worthy Grand Organist of the world, with her tenure scheduled to run from Nov. 2009 until November 2012. She’s already begun touring as part of her reign, four decades after joining Lufkin Chapter No. 382, Order of the Eastern Star, on her father’s Masonic affiliation.

“I have received some wonderful honors over the years, but this one is dearest to my heart,” Swetland said.

Currently there are only nine appointed officers in the world in the Fraternity, with Swetland representing the state of Texas. This after serving as the Texas Grand Organist in 1982 and the Worthy Grand Matron from 1995-96.

“I dreamed of becoming the Worthy Grand Organist of the General Grand Chapter, and it’s taken me a long time to get to this place of service,” Swetland said. “

In addition to this highest of honors, Swetland has been named International Who’s Who in Music from Cambridge, England; Personalities of the South for outstanding professional service in music; and Who’s Who in American Teachers.

Over the past few years, Swetland has also recorded a series of therapeutic piano CDs carried in such stores as Lufkin’s Christian Words and Works and Music World, and in Diboll at Pouland’s. Her new ministry will include presenting services of meditation with Power Point images accompanied by Swetland on the piano.

“I try hard to express my heart and feelings through my music, and if it helps someone get through a tough time, then I’ve done something right,” Swetland said.

The daughter of Batson and Gertrude Treadaway, Swetland still lives on the land belonging to her great-grandparents; her father wanted her to become a church organist, and although he passed away after she’d experienced only a few lessons, Swetland went on to serve the family’s church, Burke United Methodist Church, for the past 53 years.

“Little did my father know back then that eventually I would have the opportunity to served the General Grand Chapter of the Eastern Star as the Worthy Grand Organist of the world,” Swetland said.

Swetland also has served as an adjunct faculty instructor in the Fine Arts Division of Angelina College since 1997. She’s been a pianist for Diboll’s First United Methodist Church, and has taught in her private music studio for 43 years.

Now, she’ll have the opportunity to show the rest of the world just what happens when a dream comes true.

“A dream is a powerful thought in our lives,” Swetland said. “I would say to anyone, ‘Hold on to those dreams, trust in the Lord with all your heart, and give your very best. Your dreams can come true.”

Rosemary Swetland, a longtime area pianist, organist and music instructor, recently learned that the General Grand Chapter of the Eastern Star has appointed her Worthy Grand Organist of the world, with her tenure scheduled to run from Nov. 2009 until November 2012.