John Frederick Wolle › Texts

Born Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, April 4, 1863. Graduated from the Moravian Parochial School in 1879, and began teaching in Bethlehem. Organist of Trinity Church, Philadelphia (1881-84) and a student there under David D. Wood. Studied with Rheinberger in Munich, 1884-85, and after returning to America was organist of the Packer Memorial Church at Lehigh University (1887-1905). Organized the first choral societies in Bethlehem and Easton. With the Bethlehem society, presented the first complete performance of Bach's St. John Passion in 1888, the St. Matthew Passion in 1892, and the B-minor Mass in 1900. In 1905, moved to California, where he taught at the University of California (1905-11) and was organist of the First Congregational Church, Berkeley (1907-9). Returned to Bethlehem in 1911, resumed administration of the Bach Choir, and was organist at the Salem Lutheran Church. He died in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, on his seventieth birthday, April 4, 1933.

His name was frequently given as J. Frederick Wolle or even J. Fred Wolle.

(source: AGO Founders Hymnal, p. 114.)