June 11, 2006
Organist Celebrates 25 Years!
by Margaret Schroeder
A quarter of a century at the church organ is
quite an accomplishment! And for Trinity Church,
Bradford, quite a blessing! Ruth Wood’s 25th
anniversary as full-time church organist and choir
director coincides with Trinity congregation’s 155th
anniversary.
A special service was held Sunday, June 11 to
celebrate these landmark occasions. Members of
Bradford’s Legion, Branch 51 attended and marched
on with a colour party.
Organist Celebrates 25 Years!
by Margaret Schroeder
A quarter of a century at the church organ is
quite an accomplishment! And for Trinity Church,
Bradford, quite a blessing! Ruth Wood’s 25th
anniversary as full-time church organist and choir
director coincides with Trinity congregation’s 155th
anniversary.
A special service was held Sunday, June 11 to
celebrate these landmark occasions. Members of
Bradford’s Legion, Branch 51 attended and marched
on with a colour party.
Hearty singing of some of Ruth’s favourite hymns filled the church. On behalf of the
congregation, Ruth was honoured by the words of The Rev. Terry Whitlam and parishioner Kate
Dewhirst. A letter to Ruth, written by The Rt. Rev. George Elliott, Area Bishop of York-Simcoe was
read to the congregation and expressed gratitude and congratulations, along with his blessings.
After the service a delightful luncheon was served in the church hall, and included an Anniversary
Cake naming both Trinity Church and Ruth!
It was really sixty years ago, when Ruth married Ken Wood, that she came to Trinity Church. Ken
and his family had already been an active part of Trinity for generations. Ken passed away in 1995.
Their children, Robert and Janet, were raised in this church and happily, both were present for this
anniversary occasion.
Prior to taking on the full-time assignment of church organist, Ruth played part-time for Trinity
for many years. As Kate mentioned in her message, apart from playing for regular services Ruth’s
‘resume’ includes weddings, funerals, and baptisms; special Easter and Christmas music; services
for animal blessings and nursing homes; Legion services; inductions; and just about any occasion
one can think of! Fond recollections of the Youth Choir, ACW, and the annual Festivals of Lessons
and Carols are many. In recent years Ruth has been active in the Altar Guild and under her
leadership, this ministry continues to be carried out with the utmost respect and dedication.
She will continue to provide leadership for Trinity’s music ministry, and shares her fountain of
knowledge and experience with those of us who try to follow in her shoes. How grateful we are for
Ruth’s wonderful gift of music!
congregation, Ruth was honoured by the words of The Rev. Terry Whitlam and parishioner Kate
Dewhirst. A letter to Ruth, written by The Rt. Rev. George Elliott, Area Bishop of York-Simcoe was
read to the congregation and expressed gratitude and congratulations, along with his blessings.
After the service a delightful luncheon was served in the church hall, and included an Anniversary
Cake naming both Trinity Church and Ruth!
It was really sixty years ago, when Ruth married Ken Wood, that she came to Trinity Church. Ken
and his family had already been an active part of Trinity for generations. Ken passed away in 1995.
Their children, Robert and Janet, were raised in this church and happily, both were present for this
anniversary occasion.
Prior to taking on the full-time assignment of church organist, Ruth played part-time for Trinity
for many years. As Kate mentioned in her message, apart from playing for regular services Ruth’s
‘resume’ includes weddings, funerals, and baptisms; special Easter and Christmas music; services
for animal blessings and nursing homes; Legion services; inductions; and just about any occasion
one can think of! Fond recollections of the Youth Choir, ACW, and the annual Festivals of Lessons
and Carols are many. In recent years Ruth has been active in the Altar Guild and under her
leadership, this ministry continues to be carried out with the utmost respect and dedication.
She will continue to provide leadership for Trinity’s music ministry, and shares her fountain of
knowledge and experience with those of us who try to follow in her shoes. How grateful we are for
Ruth’s wonderful gift of music!
PARISH EVENTS
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