A SALTCOATS congregation has paid tribute to the long service of their organist and choir mistress.

At the organ of the St Cuthbert’s organ now for over 35 years – one third of the life of the church – Joan Gordon had already been involved in the music of her church as a much valued member of the alto section of the choir.

Her remarkable prowess at the keys and stops became apparent in 1969 when she accompanied the then organist Lex Dunlop while he conducted the congregation during a number of Songs of Praise recordings.

Some local residents may recall her playing in Landsborough Trinity Church prior to taking up her post in 1979.

This was near the end of the ministry of Rev George Balls and she continued to serve in her role for Rev John Johnstone, Rev Brian Oxburgh and Rev Arthur Sherratt.

Until a recent period of ill health, Joan, 84, has rarely been absent from her seat at the organ and days off and holidays were few and far between.

During her reign, the tradition of musical excellence associated with St Cuthbert’s Church has been maintained and sustained and with the continued support of the choir she has presented the regular Sunday anthems and occasional introits.

One of her lasting legacies will be the memorable annual charity concerts produced in association with the Ardrossan and Saltcoats Rotary Club.

With her numerous musical contacts in the Three Towns area Joan was able to recruit additional singers to augment the church choir for these large and popular events.

A considerable number of her former students, many of whom have made professional careers at home and abroad, have returned to perform to support Joan’s efforts and express their gratitude for her instruction and guidance in their early years. Four years ago many of these individuals and choristers reassembled to present a “surprise” concert to celebrate her 80th birthday.

Rotary recognised and honoured her contribution towards their charity fund raising by making her a Paul Harris Fellow.

Over the years the choir members have, with Joan’s encouragement, taken part in musical occasions in Glasgow Cathedral, St Giles, Paisley Abbey and Ayr organised by the Royal School of Church Music as well as smaller less formal presentations in South Beach House and in the locality.

During her teaching career she has introduced many young people to singing, piano and organ playing and St Cuthbert’s members have been privileged to benefit from the fruits of her labour with performances at concerts or little afternoon recitals.

Joan became an accomplished organist at an early age and has often recalled cycling from Skelmorlie for many years to play at morning service in Fairlie Church.

Not many youngsters would find that too appealing nowadays!

This would suggest that she has been organ playing for in excess of 70 years.

Her infectious passion for music has been spread far and wide and on occasions during morning service the congregation has experienced her in full teacher mode exhorting them to “give it laldy” while encouraging the Sunday School to sing it again – “I’m sure you can sing much louder than that!” Although the organist is partially hidden, gathering on Sunday mornings members immediately knew who was playing as few can quite make the rafters ring with the sound from that marvellous instrument than Joan.

There cannot be many more loyal and devoted servants to the church and Joan will be a hugely difficult and near impossible act to follow.

To mark the occasion Joan was presented with gifts of flowers and an appropriately designed long service certificate.