Kenneth Hamrick, Selma native and long-time organist, will be performing at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church Tuesday at 5 p.m.

Hamrick now resides in New York City, but will be in Selma for his step-father, Bill Norton’s, funeral.

What started out as having him play a few songs for some friends, turned into a full community concert.

“I always like it when St. Paul’s finds a reason to invite the community to gather,” said Jack Alvey, rector of St. Paul’s. “Any time you get someone of this caliber to play, it’s a true gift to the community.”

Hamrick is no stranger to St. Paul’s either, having played under Kay Haley at one time.

“It’s always good to welcome a child of St. Paul’s back home to share his gifts with the community,” Alvey said. “I’ve heard him play and he’s excellent and will definitely lift the spirits of those who come.”

According to a previous Times-Journal article, in addition to Haley, Hamrick studied music under Joe Merle Kennedy, Sarah Crisman Cater and Irene Miller and won numerous awards at piano and organ festivals and competitions.

At only 15, Hamrick accompanied a performance of Handel’s Messiah, an annual tradition by the Selma Choral Society at Church Street United Methodist Church.

“It’s a great opportunity to welcome someone of his caliber to use our beautiful organ,” Alvey said.