One of our Steadfast crew over these past few years has been the Rev. Dr. Frederic W. Baue–or “Fritz,” as we all call him. Fritz is an interesting fellow, to say the least: Doctor of literature, professional musician, published author, parish pastor. He can play classical guitar, bluegrass fiddle, and Irish tinwhistle. He can tell you about meerschaum pipes, medieval poetry, and mandolin pickers he has known. He has friends from every walk of life, from the church, from academia, and from the shop on the corner.

Fritz Baue is retiring as an active parish pastor at the end of this month. This past Saturday night, there was at a party at the Baue home. So yours truly, the wag tailoring the doggerel, did a little song in his honor. Click the music link and sing along!

HANGIN’ OUT WITH FRITZ
Tune: “Puttin’ on the Ritz”

Have you seen the Baue man,
Where he went or how he ran?
Plays the fiddle and guitar,
Smokes a pipe, but no cigar.

Bow ties
And clergy collars;
Knows guys,
At home with scholars.
Spend some time with Fred,
And you’re getting a head!

If you’re bored
And you would like
A big reward,
Just take a hike
Where his crowd sits,
Hangin’ out with Fritz.

Different types
That Baue may know:
Folks with pipes
Who play the banjo,
Jesuits,
Hangin’ out with Fritz.

Meet him and it’s like you’re cup and saucer;
He can chat on music, church, or Chaucer–
Topic-crosser!

Come let’s chat
Where rock musicians
Talk with cats
And dogmaticians.
On your wits!
Hangin’ out with Fritz!

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