Donald Sinclair Sutherland was the Director of Music at BHPC from 1971 to 2007, when he was appointed the Director Emeritus of Music Ministries. As choirmaster and organist at Bradley Hills, Donald made significant contributions to Bradley Hills and shaped the role of music as part of the ministry of this congregation. He oversaw the installation and dedication of the Holtkamp memorial organ. Donald established community concerts such as the Bethesda Cares concerts to benefit charity, an annual Christmas program at Bradley Hills that included choirs from other local churches, and he regularly joined our Chancel Choir with the choir from the Church of the Redeemer in Washington D.C. 

Donald served as coordinator of the organ program at Peabody Conservatory at Johns Hopkins University in Maryland, and retired at the end of the 2015-2016 season. He stayed as an adjunct faculty member to finish the students who were yet to complete their degrees for another two years. Donald served as National Secretary of the American Guild of Organists for three terms. With his wife, world-renowned soprano, Phyllis Bryn-Julson, Donald brought joy, sparkle, and the glory of sacred music to Bradley Hills. Both he and his wife have retired to Richmond, Virginia, enjoying time with family and friends. We continue to be grateful to both of them for their contributions to Bradley Hills and the greater community.