The end of an era -- Morgan Music and Liturgy closing its virtual doors

After 23 years, Morgan Music and Liturgy will officially close its virtual doors effective this evening, Sunday, March 10, 2013.

We began as a small not-for-profit business as an attempt to respond to the unjust practice of copyright abuse and offered the same resources sold by major publishers. Throughout these many years, we served customers throughout the United States and abroad, hoping to discourage illegal copy practices that deprives composers and authors from their just wages.

We offered our services at conferences, workshops and concert events so that ordering materials from one resource center may further encourage people to purchase justly rather than copy illegally. We provided an on-line resource ordering service, took phone orders and personally delivered music door to door for many people. We encouraged re-sale music and stored materials in what we affectionately call "Warehouse 13"- a closet that shared space with our kids' toys ("That CD/music/books is on the same shelf as Monopoly and the Batman game...."). As children and well into their teenage years and beyond, our three children assisted us at sales tables, answered phone messages and helped with the heavy lifting when we assisted at conferences. 

Operating entirely as a community service, Morgan Music and Liturgy began with a zero balance and ends with a zero balance in money but a wealth beyond gold in relationships that we built with you through phone calls, emails and up close and personal encounters. We've enjoyed our many conversations with you over a myriad of topics throughout the years and relished the relationships that we built with you. We hope we helped you to achieve your goals in serving your assemblies in some small way. We thank you for your faithful patronage; many of you have been with us on this journey since we began. We know that we leave you in good hands with the wonderful publishers who provide so many tremendous resources with terrific staffs that will assist you with all of your needs.

We thank in particular OCP (http://www.ocp.org), GIA (http://wwwgiamusic.com), World Library Publications (http://www.wlp.jspaluch.com/) and Liturgy Training Publications (http://www.ltp.org) and all of our vendors for their partnership on your behalf. 

Not long ago, a prominent composer asked, "Do you really think that people are still copying music and other resources illegally?" The answer is Yes. We see this practice all the time when we substitute for pastoral musicians. To this, we say that we've done our best in time, talent and stewardship to help you live justly as you sing, preach and pray gospel justice in your pastoral practices. The rest is up to you.

If you'd like to read If You Want to Sing Justice, Live Justly, Denise's article from the 2003 August/September edition of Pastoral Music, the journal of National Association of Pastoral Musicians, click here  

May Christ continue to bless your ministries as we continue to labor together to build the reign of God as the Body of Christ. It's been our blessing and privilege to serve you. 

With our continued prayers and warmest regards,

Denise Morency Gannon and Patrick Gannon

Founders and owners of Morgan Music and Liturgy