Robert Plimpton has served as Resident Organist of the First United Methodist Church of San Diego since August 2004. From 1984-2000, he served as San Diego Civic Organist, playing weekly recitals on the famed Spreckels Organ in Balboa Park. Bob was influential in founding the Spreckels Organ Society, which helped expand the use and appreciation of this city treasure. In recognition of his contribution to the community, San Diego City Council named Bob “Civic Organist Emeritus” in 2001.

As a recitalist, accompanist, and soloist with orchestras, Bob is in high demand. Locally, he performs often with the San Diego Symphony, the San Diego Chamber Orchestra, the Grossmont Symphony Orchestra and the San Diego Master Chorale. Bob also performed for two national and numerous regional conventions of the American Guild of Organists, as well as in concert halls worldwide, from Jordan to Taiwan.

A native of Titusville, Pennsylvania, Bob is a graduate of Eastern University (formerly Eastern Baptist College) in St. David’s, Pennsylvania. In the Philadelphia area, he served as music director and organist of the First Presbyterian Church of Moorestown, New Jersey and the Bryn Mawr Presbyterian Church in Bryn Mawr, PA. Bob served on the faculties of the Philadelphia School of the Performing Arts and Eastern Baptist Theological Seminary, frequently performed with the Philadelphia Orchestra and the Concerto Soloists of Philadelphia, and was the accompanist for the Philadelphia Oratorio Choir and Singing City Choirs.

In 1983, Bob moved to San Diego to become organist of the First Presbyterian Church. His numerous church music positions include Director of Music at Faith Presbyterian Church and Minister of Music at Christ Lutheran Church (Pacific Beach). He has also been adjunct instructor of organ at San Diego State University.

Bob’s hobbies include travel, cooking, gardening, and sailing. He is an avid fan of live theatre, the San Diego Symphony and the San Diego Chamber Orchestra.

Above all, Bob is thrilled to be at First Church, where he can use his musical gifts as an expression of his faith and commitment to Jesus Christ… in the spirit of Bach: “to the glory of God alone, and the enrichment of my neighbor.”

 

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