Richard and Louita Clothier

Richard and Louita Goode Clothier met in 1953 in the Graceland College Orchestra. They are still making music together. They returned to Graceland in 1960 when Dick joined the music faculty, and they continue to live in Lamoni following his retirement in 2000.

Originally hired as director of the Graceland Band, Dick began a long tenure as director of the Graceland Orchestra in 1967. Through the years he taught a variety of music courses, and served for twelve years as Chairman of the Fine Arts Division, plus eighteen years as Director of The Shaw Center, Graceland’s performing arts facility.

Dick is a High Priest in the Community of Christ. Among Dick’s retirement activities is his focus on researching the stories of the hymns and hymn-writers of the church, and leading hymn festivals based on this work. His book, A Heritage of Hymns, is still available through Herald House.

Part of Louita’s musical life has involved conducting choral groups, including the Lamoni Congregation Choir and the Graceland Chapel Choir, and she is a published composer of choral music. In addition, her pioneer work as a teacher of the Suzuki method for stringed instruments in Lamoni has taken her throughout the USA and internationally as a teacher trainer.

After retiring from this music career, she earned a degree in pastoral care and counseling from Saint Paul School of Theology in Kansas City. She served for a time as resident chaplain at Iowa Methodist Medical Center in Des Moines, and as co-pastor of the Lamoni congregation. Lou serves as an Evangelist in the Community of Christ.

The Clothier family, which includes grown children Kathi Angeroth and David Clothier, had the rare opportunity during the 1970s to teach at the American School in London, England. They enjoy returning there to visit friends whenever possible.