Admirers of the Rev. Alden Besse packed the West Tisbury library’s community room Friday evening for “Music Presented in the Cause of Peace,” sponsored by the Martha’s Vineyard Peace Council.
The Peace Council’s mission is to foster nonviolence, justice, and peace within the Island community and the world, and Mr. Besse has done just that. The touching performance appropriately celebrated the human needs activist and longtime member of the Peace Council. Mr. Besse sat in the front row smiling broadly, with Barbara, his wife of 58 years, proudly sitting beside him.
“Alden is the most important person in the Peace Council; the Peace Council is still alive because of Alden,” said secretary/treasurer Bruce Nevin. He invited attendees to join and to donate to the Embarking Peacemaker scholarship fund, established for graduating seniors on the Island, and awarded based on an essay on peace and peacemaking.
“Who else here is a member of the Alden Besse fan club?” asked Sarah Nevin, council president, as hands shot up throughout the audience.
“Alden is a man of distinction for a lifetime of service to others,” said Ms. Nevin, reading an eloquent tribute.
“We have Alden to thank for maintaining the continuity of the Peace Council’s annual events, and continuing to uphold the goal of world peace in the eyes of the Island community.”
“Showing up is the mark of commitment to one’s cause, and Alden has been there at every meeting, at every event, large or small.
“Alden, your many years of service continue inspiring Islanders, not only to believe in global peace but to take action in the cause of peace,” said Ms. Nevin.
An Episcopal priest, Mr. Besse was educated at Harvard and Virginia Theological Seminary, then served at four churches before retiring to Martha’s Vineyard. Well-loved in the community, he has been pastoral assistant at Grace Episcopal Church, chaplain at Windemere, and president of the Island Clergy Association.
Mr. Besse’s tall, slender, smiling presence has been a familiar sight at countless Peace Council events: waving placards at Five Corners demonstrations, leading the sunrise Hiroshima Day Observance at the Gay Head Lighthouse every August 6, and briskly heading the October CROP Walk raising money to combat world hunger.
Although Mr. Besse has said he has contributed to dozens of charities worldwide, on the Island his time and support are given to the Peace Council, the CROP Walk, and Grace Church.
“Everywhere he goes, Alden touches people’s lives in a loving way,” said Ms. Nevin. “He wants to help, he never turns anyone away. He lives by the Golden Rule.”
Peace Council member Beth Ann Hiller added a tribute. Singer Martha Hudson recalled Mr. Besse’s sermon at Union Chapel with Bill and Hillary Clinton present.
“I just wish he could have listened more,” she said.
“I am completely overwhelmed,” said Mr. Besse, thanking the crowd. “This should be just the beginning of great things for peace on the Island. God bless you, God bless America, God bless the whole world.”
Pianist Lisa Weiss, professor at Goucher College, planned the program, choosing pieces in the twin keys of C-sharp and D-flat, a musical commentary on sameness, differences, and a peaceful coexistence.
She opened at the Steinway with two Bach Preludes and Fugues, voices pristinely articulated, played with a heartfelt meditative quality and absolute ease despite intricate multiple lines.
Liszt’s Transcendental Etude “Harmonies du Soir” was delivered with passion and energy. Ms. Weiss’s virtuoso dexterity in the lush mix of tumultuous, full-bodied chords and runs with delicate, thoughtful passages earned her an enthusiastic standing ovation.
Jesse Keller, director of Island programs and education and choreographer at The Yard, offered peace through movement, with a gracefully supple interpretation of composer Osvaldo Golijov’s “ZZ’s Dream,” inspired by a thought-provoking poem by Zhuang Zhou.
Martha Hudson, in her rich mezzo-soprano, performed three familiar songs by Franz Schubert with tenderness and care. Each exemplified peace, especially “Cradle Song,” soothing as a nursery rhyme.
Soprano Stephanie Barnes concluded with “Voice from the Annex,” four moving reflections by Anne Frank, to music by Jose Antonio Bowen. In Ms. Barnes clear, strong soprano, the poignant music matched Anne Frank’s words. Living in fear, yearning for simple pleasures of normal life, she pledged, “In spite of everything I still believe that people are good at heart. I must uphold my ideals.”
“It’s amazing that a place so small can put on such a magnificent performance,” Mr. Besse commented.
As the event concluded, departing concertgoers stopped to offer Mr. Besse a fond memory, handshake, or hug.
“Alden remembers what he’s been told about people’s hurts,” said Lee Fierro, a Grace Church member. “He checks up, he prays, and I always feel that he’s there for me.”
“Alden could leave a message on your phone, he could calm you and give you a peaceful spirit, whether you were 2,100 or 500 miles from home,” said one council member. “He can encourage and mentor you to be more than even you think you can be.”
“If people are healed when they are heard, Alden Besse in his quiet, inquisitive, compassionate way has learned to do that great listening work,” said the Rev. Brian Murdoch, priest at Grace Church. “Out of his daily physical hardship he has heard and served by showing up always. He is a true Christian hero.”
Want to get more involved?
The Martha’s Vineyard Peace Council
The Martha’s Vineyard Peace Council sponsors educational activities, discussions, guest speakers, demonstrations, protests, and special observances. The Peace Council campaigns for legislation and causes promoting peace. Tax-deductible contributions to the Embarking Peacemaker Scholarship for graduating high school seniors can be sent to the Permanent Endowment for Martha’s Vineyard, P.O. Box 1182, Oak Bluffs, MA 02557, designated for the Embarking Peacemaker Fund. Monthly meetings of the Peace Council are held, often with potluck dinner. New members are welcome. For information call Bruce and Sarah Nevin, 508-627-8536.
Martha’s Vineyard CROP Hunger Walk
Sponsored locally by the Island Clergy Association, Island Food Pantry, and the Vineyard Committee on Hunger, the annual 10-kilometer fundraising walk is held nationwide in mid-October to raise money through pledges and donations to combat hunger at home and worldwide. A portion of proceeds raised here benefit the Island Food Pantry. For additional information, visit cropwalk.org or call 508-693-1673.
Grace Episcopal Church, Vineyard Haven
All are welcome for worship, prayer, and fellowship. Service opportunities include help serving dinners, organizing church events, and other outreach activities. For additional information, call Grace Church at 508-693-0332, or the Rev. Brian Murdoch at 617-504-2031, or visit facebook.com/gracechurchmv.