 In 1969, Dirksen was named the cathedral's Precentor, giving him administrative oversight of all worship services until his retirement in 1991.Dirksen composed extensively, mostly choral and organ works, and his music continues to be regularly featured on broadcasts from the Cathedral.His 1974 opus, "Vineyard Haven", has been called "widely acclaimed as one of the finest hymn tunes of our day", by editors of hymnology.