Award for Outstanding achievement – Gareth Moore

The modern age, along with 24/7 online media, has devalued the language of superlatives. However on Friday 14th April more than 200 people witnessed an occasion that can barely be adequately described in words. Held in the sanctuary of Trinity Methodist Church, Gareth Moore had put together a service of thanks & praise to God for music, and particularly church music, which highlighted not only his gifts & skills but those of the singers he had assembled and coached in the Choir stalls.

Conducted by Dr. Mandy Griffin, the choir, comprising the Ballagarey Singers and members of Trinity Choir led the congregational hymns, and the Anthem – “Let All the World in Every Corner Sing” (from Five Mystical Songs) Words by George Herbert, Music by Ralph Vaughan Williams.

The Guild of Church Musicians was established in 1888, just a year before the organ in Trinity – then known as Rosemount Wesleyan Church was built by the Hull firm of Forster & Andrews. On behalf of the Guild, Dr. Peter Litman, Hon FGCM, who is the Cathedral organist and the Ven. lrene Cowell, Archdeacon of Man, delivered the citation and presented the Diploma and hood noting Honorary membership of Guild. Reference was made to Gareth’s roles as accompanist, teacher & church musician in which dedication and “graft” were required to develop his God-given gifts. The fact that Gareth is the first Methodist EVER to be recognised & acknowledged by the Guild is indeed truly exceptional! Music is said to be able to bring unity and here it is in practice.

A letter of greeting was received from Rev Graham Thompson President of Methodist conference was read by Rev Dr Janet Corlett, Chair of IOM District: the whole Methodist connexion had been to witness Gareth’s musical gifts, as well technological skills when, during multiple lockdowns, he had gone “above and beyond” by sharing various musical items online – singing 4-parts and accompanying himself on multiple instruments was pretty standard for Gareth: totally awesome to make use of 21st Century superlatives!!

Gareth’s thanks were typically modest and included a testimony to his faith – Janet delivered a closing blessing after which Gareth played a “trademark” organ voluntary: there was a time of fellowship of tea and cake and personal greetings to Gareth to conclude a unique service and occasion.