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January 26, 1928 – Westwood Hills Congregational Church – the church home of Iowa’s own Meredith Willson – opens its new building.
Iowa’s own Meredith Willson and his wife, Rini were long-time members of Westwood Hills Congregational Church in Los Angeles – becoming members in 1948 – the same year the happy couple was married. Even after Rini died in 1966, Meredith and his new wife, Rosemary (married in 1968), continued to attend Westwood, and always sat in the same spot – by the pipe organ – where Meredith & Rini sat for years.
Willson – Iowa’s own Music Man – purchased a beautiful stained-glass window entitled “The Music Man Window” after Rini died (see pic above) and had it placed directly above the pew where the Willsons always sat. I’ve been told by Sabra Gibson – the church’s operation manager – that indeed, the window is still there today, and she has graciously provided us with the pictures you see above. Ms. Gibson also tells me that Westwood has occupied this church building since January 26, 1928! Almost 100 years!
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