The Barker Series
The Barker Music Festival began on October 16, 1977 and is celebrating it’s 33rd
year. This series of concerts was named in honor of Dr. Cyril Barker, who served
as Minister of Music at Central Reformed Church from 1961 until his retirement
in 1975. Dr. Barker was born in England, grew up in Canada, and received his professional
degrees from the Royal Conservatory of Toronto and the University of Michigan. In 1962,
he inaugurated an annual concert series at Central that became the precursor to the
current Barker Music Festival.
Primary funding for the Barker Festival is derived from a trust established by the estate
of Benjamin and Ethel Buikema, long time members of Central Church. Concerts are provided
without admission costs, although free-will offerings are collected to aid in support of
the church’s commitment to spiritual renewal and expressions of God’s grace by providing
quality music and related programming to enhance worship, education, and outreach.
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