American Guild of Organists. Twin Cities Chapter

The American Guild of Organists was founded in 1896, and is headquartered in New York City. It is an educational and service organization organized to advance the cause of organ and choral music, to elevate the status of church musicians, and to maintain standards of artistic excellence among organists and choral conductors. The organization offers professional certification in organ playing, choral and instrumental training, and theory and general knowledge of music.

The Twin Cities Chapter was organized in 1910 by George H. Fairclough as the Minnesota Chapter. Their first public program was held at the Church of St. John the Evangelist in St. Paul on March 15, 1911.

Sometime between 1958 and 1959 the Minnesota Chapter was reorganized as the Twin Cities Chapter (TCAGO). Today the Twin Cities Chapter is composed mainly of church organists, choir directors, teachers, students, and organ builders in the Minneapolis-Saint Paul metropolitan area. Additional Minnesota chapters have been organized in the Arrowhead, southeastern, and southwestern regions.

From the guide to the Guild records., 1910-2008., (Minnesota Historical Society)