57 Years of Service
In 1963 Carole Colliss was first asked to serve at Jannali Anglican Church (or St Clement’s as it was then known) by playing the organ in church. Since then she has faithfully accompanied our hymns at many hundreds of services, as well as many weddings and funerals.
I asked Carole what has kept her going. She said that two things have particularly spurred her onwards: her love for the people of the church, and a sense that God has enabled her to be able to be able to play in order to serve others.
Many years ago, Carole wondered whether she might retire from playing the organ. This offer was however rejected by the minister at the time, who pointed to the example of another lady who was at that time 92 and still playing!
Why then is Carole stopping? She is still much younger than 92! The reason is that considering a number of factors, the organ won’t be retained in our new building layout. Although sad that we have reached an end of an era, Carole (along with our other organists) have graciously accepted that the time has come to retire the organ, and that we can still sing the old hymns accompanied by the keyboard.
Carole has been faithful right up till today, when she played for the last time, finishing with her father’s favourite hymn – Lead us Heavenly Father lead us – remembering how her parents had sacrificed much for her to have music lessons as a young girl.
We thank God for Carole’s faithful service helping our more traditional congregations to praise God and encourage each other by singing the great hymns of the faith.
Neil