Requesting A Dedication - For Nevo’s Lifetime of Dedication

In light of the memorable Chapel Choir 50th reunion celebration hosted by First United Methodist Church of Downers Grove this past June, an entire generation of alumni is driven to honor the living legacy of John Neve (a/k/a "Nevo"). Instead of waiting until he passes, we aim to pay tribute now, recognizing his profound impact on our church during his 15 years of dedicated service. We also seek to acknowledge the enduring traditions that continue to resonate with a new generation even 50 years later. Our proposal is to dedicate the current Fellowship Hall as "The John A. Neve Fellowship Hall."

John Neve, the first full-time minister of music hired by FUMC of Downers Grove, transcended the role of a mere choir director; he was a worship leader and a lay person who was revered as a minister. His influence set the standard for our music programs, evident in the Chapel Choir tours, the inception of handbell choirs, and the creation of children's musicals. In 1978, his consecration as a Diaconal Minister underscored his commitment to serving the church both musically and spiritually.

Undoubtedly, John Neve touched the lives of countless high school youth who sang in the Chapel Choir during the 1970s and 1980s, but his impact extended to their families, fostering enduring memories and strengthening church membership. FUMC, under John Neve's leadership, became a cornerstone in the Northern Illinois United Methodist Conference, as he built bridges and nurtured relationships.

Our aspiration is to carry forward the legacy of the Chapel Choir, ensuring that future generations will ask, "Who was John Neve?" We also wish for them to appreciate the talented directors who succeeded him and to delve into the rich history of our church's music programs. To materialize this vision, we propose attaching a plaque to the outer wall of Fellowship Hall with the inscription:

Fellowship Hall
Dedicated to the enduring music ministry of
John A. Neve