John Fiske Robson was born on January 28, 1931 in Reading, Pennsylvania. He lived in several locations before graduating in 1949 from the Wappingers Central School District.
By this time, his love of music, especially chorale singing and piano, was already evident. John attended the Eastman School of Music in Rochester, where he majored in music theory and minored in piano. He graduated with a Bachelor of Music degree in 1953 and entered the Lutheran Theological Seminary in Philadelphia, graduating with a Master’s of Divinity in 1956.
He then returned to Rochester and was hired as Assistant Pastor of Concordia Lutheran Church, where he served for nearly two years, a career cut short when his gay identity became known.
John bounced back. He acquired a Master’s degree from the NYU School of Education and secured employment at the Woodmere Academy as an elementary school Music Teacher. Over the following decades he taught at schools in Yonkers and Pelham.
John joined The Riverside Church in the early 1970s and was a founding member of Maranatha. He served as Treasurer for several years and relished the role of “cash box custodian” at numerous Maranatha events. He continued as an active member until his death in 2013. John was a generous individual, specifying that his life insurance proceeds go to a number of charitable projects, one of which is the John Fiske Robson Music Scholar Award.
How to Apply:
Maranatha, one of the Missions and Social Justice ministries here at The Riverside Church has transitioned to an online application process. Applications can either be completed using this form, or printed out, completed, and then mailed. ALL required attachments, must be submitted at the same time your application is submitted. DO NOT send materials separately.
Your completed application, including all attachments, can be submitted electronically, or mailed. The deadline for filing is June 4, 2023. Letters of recommendation must be sent by mail and postmarked no later than June 4, 2023. Only complete applications can be considered. Incomplete or late applications will not be considered.
Your application will be reviewed by members of the Scholarship Committee. Selection will be based on the Eligibility Criteria listed below.