NEWS

14-year-old named new organist at First United Methodist Church in Massillon

Steven M. Grazier
The Independent
Jimmy Thieret, 14, talks about his new gig as the organist at First United Methodist Church in Massillon. His first Sunday on the job is scheduled Sept. 5. Jimmy is the son of Massillon City Councilman Jim Thieret, R-Ward 2, and Sharon Thieret.

MASSILLON – Teenager Jimmy Thieret's musical talent has landed him a divine role at a downtown church.

Thieret, 14, has been named the new organist for the First United Methodist Church on Lincoln Way E. His first official Sunday is Sept. 5.

"I'm beyond excited for this (opportunity)," said Jimmy, adding that a single perk of the gig came as a surprise.

"The funny part is, I have an office with my name on the door," he said.

Jimmy Thieret gets an initial peek into his new office at First United Methodist Church in Massillon. The new church organist was surprised that he was getting an office.

'There was no hesitation' after hearing him play

First Methodist Church Pastor Linda Bradley said the congregation is blessed to have Jimmy serve as the organist.

"Jimmy's probably our third in four years," Bradley said. "When the (staff parish relations) committee heard him play, there was no hesitation."

Jimmy is the son of Massillon City Councilman Jim Thieret, R-Ward 2, and Sharon Thieret. He's a home-schooled, high school sophomore. His father has a musical background, singing in local choirs while his mother has a talent for the arts.

"It's a pretty musical home. We even have an organ in the living room," Sharon said.

Jimmy, who's expected to earn $200 per week as an organist, acquired a taste for music at a young age, said Sharon Thieret. She recalled her son playing the piano around age 4 and 5. Interest in the organ moved up the charts when he turned 7.

"I've always loved listening to the organ at Mass, and fell in love with the power of the instrument," said Jimmy, who began lessons at 10. "It was the coolest thing ever."

He can play by ear

When Jimmy was little, his mother said a toy keyboard probably served as his first instrument.

"We'd listen to him play and were like, 'Wow, that's pretty good,'" Sharon said.

Jimmy Thieret, center, shares a moment with parents, Sharon and Jim Thieret, inside First United Methodist Church in Massillon. Jimmy, 14, is the new organist at the church.

Over the years, Jimmy said his quality of understanding music has grown. He can "play by ear," or recall music from memory and instantly perform.

"I'll listen to different pieces and symphonies, mix them together in my head and just play," said Jimmy, who called Johann Sebastian Bach his favorite music composer.

'Torn between wanting to be a priest or an organist'

Part of his duties on the organ will include accompanying a church choir and playing the piano. He'll also help provide vocals from time to time for the 171-member congregation.

"He's always loved music and had been torn between wanting to be a priest or an organist," his mother said.

Jimmy Thieret takes a spin on the organ inside First United Methodist Church in Massillon. He has been named the church's new organist.

Jimmy plans to attend college down the road and earn a music degree. He said he'd like to attend a school in Georgia.

"I love to arrange, compose (music) and improvise," he said. "Maybe someday I can even teach."

Reach Steven at steven.grazier@indeonline.com.

On Twitter: @sgrazierINDE