65 years of musical service

Julie Druker | Jul 23, 2014

Gary Hawley has been playing the organ at St. Andrew’s Anglican Church in Sharbot Lake for 65 years and he isn’t stopping now. In fact he is quoted as saying, “As long as I can continue to play and they would have me play, I will.”

Hawley's lifetime of musical service began in 1949 and that milestone was celebrated at a special service and presentation ceremony at the church on July 20. The sanctuary was full of worshipers as the special service and tribute was led by Rev. George Kwari, who spoke of how Gary’s music helps church goers to “enter into the presence of God Almighty and therefore be more receptive to the word of God. This importance aspect of our worship we trust to the church organist.”

Rev. Kwari went on to list all of the important responsibilities of the church organist and how Gary has fulfilled each with his special talent, dedication and a humble heart. He related Gary’s service to the Biblical Parable of the Talents.

Not resting even as he was being celebrated, Gary played throughout the service and was joined on flute by Brenda Luscott. Other special guests in attendance included the Venerable Allan McGregor, Rev. Eric Ruwona of Zimbabwe and Canon David Smith of Perth, who recited the service blessing. Pastor Mark Hudson of the Pentecostal Church gave prayerful thanks at the special lunch reception that followed the service. Congregant Ken Fisher, who helped organize the special event, made a series of special presentations to Gary for the “over 3500 services he has played at the church over 65 years”. These included a letter from Canada's Governor General David Johnston that was read aloud to the guests. Numerous gifts were also presented to Gary that included a memory box, an engraved commemorative plate and a collection of personal stories written for and about Gary by members of the church and the greater community.

Gary was visibly moved by the accolades and spoke emotionally following the presentations, paying tribute to the all of the church communities he has been associated with over the years with the words, “How more could one person be blessed?” He also paid tribute to all of the singers at the church. His smiling and ever humble face while cutting his special cake said it all.