I can't recall the Maronite priest's name, but he did much as your priest did in putting the traditional melodies to English and working with his organist. But he had a musician put Western notation with the English words to help those who didn't know the melodies. It is more of an aid than anything, because Western notation cannot capture the way these melodies move -- but it can help to jog the memory of an old Irish nomad's brain...;-)
You may want to explore this resource.
Cedars of Lebanon Hymnal (Second Edition) by Father Mansour Labaky
Comprehensive collection of 250 hymns for use in the Divine Liturgy and para-liturgical celebrations; texts in English, Arabic and Syriac for many hymns; Western musical notations; many photographs. Softbound; 176 pages.
Price: $9.50 Item No.: L026
St. Maron Publications