Special concert in Trinity church to mark organist's 50th anniversary

SUNDAY, October 26, is a special date in the life of Trinity Presbyterian Church, Omagh.

Not only is it the date of the annual morning Harvest Thanksgiving service, but there is also a special evening concert in the church. This event marks an amazing milestone in the life of the church organist, Mr Stanley Matthews, who is celebrating 50 years in this position, which also includes the role and duties of choirmaster.

During those five decades, Stanley has been responsible for the service music on a weekly basis, playing piano and organ as required, training the choir in the learning of new hymns and also individual choir pieces for special occasions, or just when they are inspired to enhance the meaning of the service and delight the congregation with a particular favourite piece.

Stanley believes that over his 50 years in the post, the choir may have learnt and sung more than 400 special pieces or anthems, as they are more commonly known.

So it’s not surprising that both he and the choir have decided to put on the special concert featuring a number of these pieces and other music under the title of ‘1975 – 2025 How can we keep from singing?’ – a celebration in music.

The church choir will be joined on the night by a number of special friends who regularly help out in augmenting this talented group of singers.

Stanley will also be assisted by Sheena Herron, the wife of the former minister of the church, Rev Robert Herron. She will accompany the choir in a number of the pieces, allowing Stanley to concentrate on acting as conductor.

There will also be a number of solos from within the choir and flute and guitar accompaniment to a number of the pieces. The ‘man of the moment’ has also indicated if things are going well on the night, he may contribute a couple of organ solos himself.

It promises to be a great evening of varied music commencing at 7pm with a harvest supper served in the church hall for all afterwards.

There will be a retiring voluntary collection going to the Alzheimer’s Society - a cause very close to the hearts of this entire musical group.

There is no doubt that Stanley has been a dedicated servant to the church over many years and he feels passionate about the importance music plays in the act of worship.

He said that music and this vocation had allowed him to go places and meet people he never would have had the opportunity to do and that is something for which he will be forever grateful.

In conclusion he quipped ‘they say it’s the first 50 years that are the hardest and after that it’s a piece of coffee cake’ - his favourite!

The choir will also be making a special input and leading the praise at the morning harvest service.