Samuel Hsu was born into John and Dorothy Hsu’s Christian home in Shanghai, China, on June 20, 1947. The Chinese name they gave him meant “One who builds up the Light.” They added the biblical name Samuel, because they intended for their children to serve the Lord Jesus Christ with their lives. Sam died on December 2, 2011 after being struck by a car the previous day.

Sam graduated from Philadelphia Biblical University in 1969. He went on to graduate studies at the University of California, Santa Barbara, earning a Ph.D. in historical musicology in 1972. He also studied piano at the Juilliard School with Rosina Lhévinne and Martin Canin; he continued to study with Mr. Canin until the week before his death. Sam returned to PBU as a music professor in 1972. His long tenure (39 years) included the honor of being the first faculty member to obtain the rank of Distinguished Professor.

Sam first came to Csehy in 1974, as a substitute for a teacher who was unable to attend that summer. That substitute position turned into 38 years of joyful service to Csehy. Over the years, Sam served not only as a piano teacher, but also as head of the piano department, dean of faculty, and interim artistic director. Sam also served for many years as a valuable member of the Csehy board of directors.

All who knew Sam can attest to his tremendous musicianship. We could never completely plumb the depths of his knowledge. He would constantly bring out yet another point about a piece we had never known or thought of before. He knew every era of classical music and every genre. He could speak and read fluently all of the research languages but knew many more, at least eight in all. Sam’s memory for music and facts was impeccable. One could learn more in a single conversation with him than in many, many music history classes. But we at Csehy will remember him for much more than his musicianship. He was our mentor, our friend, our “life teacher”, our resident theologian.

Sam took advantage of every opportunity to share God’s Word at Csehy. He spoke in chapel on many occasions over the years and was often a guest leader in the boys’ dorm devotions. His relationship with his Lord was the driving force in his life, and his life was a constant display of that relationship. His speech upon receiving the Distinguished Professor title at PBU summed up his life of faith: “I am a sinner saved by grace. To God be the glory.”

For 20 years Sam served as an elder of Tenth Presbyterian Church in Philadelphia. Sam was an excellent shepherd to the people of Tenth, especially those in his parish, but he was also a shepherd to his students, to his colleagues, and to his friends. Countless individuals were encouraged by his prayers, by his kind words, by his wise counsel, by his cheerful countenance, and by his gentle spirit. Not lost on any who knew him was his genuine humility as he “considered others more highly than himself.”

Dr. Samuel Hsu can never be replaced at Csehy. We know that God will supply all we need to fill the many gaps left by Sam’s homegoing, but the memories of this humble servant of God will always remain an inspiration for each of us as we endeavor to follow Sam as he followed Christ.

It is rare to have the opportunity to hear and feel the heart of one for whom we grieve. We are blessed with that rare privilege, for in 2008, Sam wrote the following article summing up his relationship with Csehy Summer School of Music.

Csehy Summer School of Music is a great source of joy for me. It is a place where the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts toward one another. I recall my first encounter with Csehy: it was on a hot summer evening in 1974. After taking a long flight from Los Angeles and spending a sleepless night at the Atlanta airport due to a missed connection, I arrived exhausted during Singtime, but found myself wonderfully restored by the glorious singing of “The Lord Bless You and Keep You.” Through this palpable musical witness, I realized that I was in the loving presence of my Lord Jesus and of my Christian brothers and sisters. Scripture tells us: “Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls” (1 Peter 1:8-9). These verses describe for me what it means to be at Csehy.

Our founder, Mr. Wilmos Csehy, was fond of quoting Felix Mendelssohn, who said that music begins where words end. At Csehy, we strive with all our might to express this inexpressible joy through our music and through our Christian fellowship. I am reminded of “Art for God’s Sake,” a book written by my pastor Dr. Philip Ryken. At Csehy our music teachers, who are all professional musicians, work diligently with the students to create music as a sacrifice of praise to God. It is music for God’s sake.

I came to Csehy as a substitute piano teacher, and I have not left. Now, thirty-five years later, our executive director, Randy Haynes, delights to remind me that I am an old man who can remember what it was like back then. Well, I am happy to report that the same joy which overwhelmed me back then on my first day at Csehy in 1974 during Singtime in Muncy Terraces, is still with me today at Csehy on the campus of Philadelphia Biblical University.* As Johann Sebastian Bach had written in the margin of his Bible: “With a devotional music God is always present with his grace.”

Oh, may God bless and keep Csehy. May God continue to make Csehy a source of joy to all who come under her ministry, whether as a camper, or as a counselor, a staff member, a teacher, a parent, a friend. During Singtime in Muncy Terraces, Mr. Csehy would often sing this chorus: “Behold, He comes, and every eye shall see Him. Friend, will you be ready, when Jesus comes?” Yes, even so, come, Lord Jesus. Amen and Amen.

* Csehy Summer School of Music now operates on the campus of Houghton College.

Farewell our dear friend. Thank you for all you taught us by your life here. Rejoice in your Savior's presence, and we shall join you soon.