The American Guild of Organists began its history in 1896 as a national organization of academic, church, and concert organists in the United States. Two significant American composers, George Whitefield Chadwick and John Knowles Paine founded the Guild. The Guild, headquartered in New York City, endeavored “to promote the organ in its historic and evolving roles, to encourage excellence in the performance of organ and choral music, and to provide a forum for mutual support, inspiration, education, and certification of Guild members.” Membership is not limited to music professionals but is open to any individual interested in organ music. The organization of the Guild, as set forth by the charter and bylaws, is geographically divided into nine regions and multiple chapters. A chapter consists of local Guild members and at the request of twelve voting members or prospective members of the Guild initiates the formation of a local chapter. The bylaws also set forth the classes of membership, organization and governance, meetings, and elections. Membership is divided into voting and non-voting members and numerous sub-classes within each class. In addition, the bylaws specify the creation of several committees and councils to oversee the governance of the Guild: National Council, Executive Committee, National Nominating Committee, and other committees appointed by the National Council. The National Council is the main governing body and voting members elect the officers every two years. The National Council consists of four National Officers, four Councillors, and nine Regional Councillors. The National Officers include the President, a Vice President, a Secretary, a Treasurer, and a Chaplain. The Guild supports educational programs to introduce schoolchildren to the organ and publishes a monthly journal, The American Organist. The Atlanta Chapter of the American Guild of Organists was founded in 1914.