John Fiske Robson was born on January 28, 1931, in Reading, Pennsylvania. He attended Wappingers Central School District, New York, and then in 1953 obtained a Bachelor of Music from Eastman School of Music in Rochester, New York. In 1956 he received a Master of Divinity at The Lutheran Theological Seminary in Philadelphia. For approximately two years he served as an Assistant Pastor of Concordia Lutheran Church in Rochester until his gay identity became known. He then acquired a master’s degree from the NYU School of Education. For decades he taught music at the Woodmere Academy in Woodmere, New York, as well as other schools in Yonkers and Pelham, New York.
John joined The Riverside Church in the early 1970s and was a founding member of Maranatha. He served as Treasurer for several years. He continued as an active member until his death in 2013. John was a generous individual, specifying that his life insurance proceeds go to several charitable projects, one of which is the John Fiske Robson Music Scholar Award.
How to Apply:
The John Fiske Robson Music Scholar Award is presented by Maranatha, one of the ministries of the Membership Care and Parish Life Commission at The Riverside Church. Maranatha is committed to serving God by fostering greater understanding while promoting equity for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Same-Gender Loving, and Allies.
This scholarship is open to students who will study in the Music field.
The completed application must be submitted though the electronic online process. No paper applications will be accepted. All required attachments must be submitted at the same time that your application is submitted.
The deadline to apply for all scholarships is April 28, 2026, at 11:59pm. Only complete applications can be considered. Incomplete or late applications will not be considered. Your application will be reviewed by members of the Maranatha Scholarship Committee. Selection will be based on the Eligibility Criteria listed below.
Award Amount: $1,250
Eligibility Criteria:
• The applicant must attend an accredited college, vocational college, or university as a full-time student, or be planning to attend in the Fall of 2026. The applicant may be commencing studies or currently attending, and may be working toward a vocational school Certificate of Completion, Associate, Baccalaureate, or Master's degree.
• Be in good academic standing in a current academic program, or in the academic or vocational program most recently completed.
• Be self-identified as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and/or Queer.
• Be working towards studies in the music field.
• Have been active in one or more LGBTQ organizations in roles that demonstrate leadership and service.
• If you are selected, you must attend The Riverside Church Pride Sunday Breakfast Celebration on Sunday, June 28, 2026. The scholarship will be presented at this event.
• Remember! Keep a copy of your application for your records.
Questions may be directed to The Riverside Church Membership Care and Parish Life Office at MCPL@trcnyc.org