Marilyn Dunn hit lots of high notes in her musical career but never dreamed she’d end up playing at the park she cherished as a child. She grew up south of Kansas City and enjoyed countless vacations to Silver Dollar City as a little girl.
“I remember running straight to ride The Flooded Mine and Fire In The Hole,” she smiles. “It was enchanting to just walk around looking at everything and meeting the wonderful people.”
Every trip was magical for Marilyn. Even “sweeter,” though, is her family’s current connection to this place.
“We’re the sorghum family,” she beams. “My parents, Coby and Doris Schrock have been the park’s sorghum makers for 30 years even though my brother Stanley mainly runs the operation now.”
She says Silver Dollar City has always felt like a second home to all of them, so when an opportunity opened ten years ago to play piano at the park’s Wilderness Church, she knew she struck the perfect chord for the next chapter of life.
Sometimes, those tough times are tough calls.
“That story probably touched my heart the most,” she pauses. “A dear guest came into the church and told me she was about to get news from the doctor about a possible cancer diagnosis. She wanted to be in our church when the call came in. That’s powerful stuff—moving stuff.”
Music has always moved Marilyn. She makes playing the piano look effortless as she gracefully strikes the keys, billowing a soulful hymn. She’s come a long way since taking her first lesson at seven years old. Even then, she knew she wanted to somehow make a living out of doing something she loved. She studied music at the College of the Ozarks and went on to teach piano there.
“I’ve been blessed to teach so many wonderful students throughout the years. I’ve adored them all and will always be their biggest fan.”
As much as she enjoyed teaching at the college level, her heart was called to accept the job at the Wilderness Church a decade ago.
“It just felt right,” she smiles. “Our guests often need an escape. It is a beautiful, wonderful thing to love on people when they need it the most. This is truly the most peaceful workplace. I get to spread love through music. I get to see their smiles and hear their hymns. I get to hug them and love them. I get to laugh with them and wipe their tears. How unique that people can come to a theme park and worship. The good Lord is always, always right here with us.”
About the Wilderness Church
This authentic log structure, built initially near a local creek, was dismantled log by log, lovingly rebuilt in its current location, and dedicated on July 10, 1960. The giant sycamore tree that once stood on the site was hand-carved into the church's pulpit by Lester Vining and is still used today.
Join us for church services at 10 and 11 a.m. every operating Sunday from March through October and old-fashioned hymn sing-alongs each operating day!
As Public Relations Manager for the Silver Dollar City Company, she is eager to tap into her journalism background to hunt down “heart tugs” to write about—those stories that celebrate…
