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Times-Advocate, 1996-06-26, Page 26From one organist to another By Brenda Burke T -A Reporter • CREDITON - When Doug Lewis agree to an interview about his re- tirement as a long-time church or- ganist, he doesn't just talk. He lets you try the 100 -year-old pipe or- gan, shows you the awesome ca- pabilities of the instrument up close and gives you a lesson or two in history. Although he set his retirement date for July I, it's clear he won't lose a passion that began with pub- lic school piano lessons. After play- ing an electronic organ at a church in Brinsley for 20 years, he became an organist at Crediton United Church in 1971. He arrived at the church without any experience on the pipe organ, which he describes as "the ul- timate" type of organ with "more of a natural sound, not an electronic sound." "In Europe they used to run them with water," he added. "It's like driving different types of cars. This is really the cadillac...It's a unique instrument." At a price of approximately $2,000, the organ was installed in 1896 when the church was built and Lewis estimates it would cost $100,000 to replace today. An or- gan technician from Woodstock makes an annual trip to tune and repair the organ. "There's no one around here that knows anything about it," said Lewis. A demonstration on the in- strument proves it can imitate sounds of the oboe, piccolo and vi- olin. "These are from little pipes like lead pencils," he said as he struck a key and pointed to a cluster of thin pipes. Lewis has been the main organist of the church for weddings, funerals and Sunday worship, which in- cludes hymns, choir num- bers and special songs for a prelude, offering, praise, prayer and departure, all chosen by the minister. "It'll be quite a change," he said of retirement, adding he hopes to have more freedom after marry years of working Sundays. His most memorable experience is of an incident 10 years ago when the organ's beI- lows, the chain that controls the in- strument's air pressure, col- lapsed and "made an awful sound." Describing the congrega- tion as mu- sically inclined and the eight - member choir as "a great as- sistance" to his playing, he ad- mitted his greatest challenge has been accompanying singers he was unaccustomed to. He cites the most popular hymn during the years he's been playing is Amazing Grace. Craig Skinner, on the other hand, prefers How Great Thou Art. The 16 -year-old Exeter resident may be the youngest organist to perform at the church when he takes over in July. Skinner began to play the organ a year ago. He's played piano most of his life and also plays guitar. Af- ter performing on an electronic or- gan at Zion West United Church for about a year, in the spring he was asked to use his talent at the Crediton church, which he attends. Through his music, he aims to get youth involved in church activities. Although he's used to playing for an audience, he said "the ex- perience getting up in front of peo- ple will be positive." He admitted the massive, ancient pipe organ is "sort of intimidating because it's so big...It's harder to play." "This boy has a great opportunity here to play," said Lewis. "It's the only (organ) that I know of in the district of this type." "This boy has a great opportunity here to pia, ...It's the only (organ) that l know of in the district of this type." A CELTIC MUSICAL ADVENTURE! Come by the Hills Writterk4 and starring-'D''t)ein McKay Sponsored by HPIAYHOUSE n1 M n,[{OANON• JULY 2 - JULY 6 PLAYHOUSE II BOX OFFICE OPEN Monday to Saturday 9 - 9 (519) 238.6000 1-800-706.6665 SEASCOILIEDA SPONSOR HAVE YOU HEARD THE LATEST? Written by NEIL SIMON Directed by MARCIA KASH Sponsored by wag •NEArIa1N ndacDUwrar JULY 2 - JULY 13 BOX OFFICE OPEN Monday to Saturday 9 - 9 (519) 238-6000 1-800-706-6665 OM - SEASON SEASON NEVA SPONSOR The Enron County Board of Education SUMMER SCHOOL 1996 SECONDARY IMPROVEMENT COURSU ' July 8 - July 30 Englbh and Mathematics - Grades 9 through 12 Classes run daily from 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 noon. CONTINUING EDUCATION for Adult Students July 2 - August 16 FEES: MI courses are ftee. LOCATiON: All courses, except Continuing Education, are offered at Central Huron Secondary School in Clinton. Bus transportation is provided from Exeter, Ooderich, Wingham and Seaforth. Continuing Education courses will be held in Vanastra, Exeter, Wingham and (loderich. For further Information eaataet your local sebool or Rob Parr Prieetpal, S%afwer Sebwa 482-3471 R. Brown Chair twase skrot P. Carroll Director Doug Lewis, left, and Craig Skinner play an organ hymn together at Crediton ' United Church. Plan to attend the Hay Days Ecumenical Church Service Sunday June 30, Zurich Arena Ice Surface. Prelude Music begins 10:15 a.m. which includes Mennonite Praise Team; St. Peter's - St. Joseph's and Sl. Borne FolkChoir. Service starts 11 alit wjth?Special Guest Speaker Rev. Stan MacDonald. Proceeds from this service will be donated to Arc Industries, Dashwood. Free uncheon to follow. Everyone welcome. Times Advocate, June 26, 1996 fat v Nclowl ills -taw) IC%MI1L____ ...u.;1:‘,:i :�'�1lI ��I�i1qi_l,��, ulhi !' ;,114 ig I - . IIJ Page 23 - - d L r. 5.1 !'tlnI. cenzal JAKiw „„a i GE 18.2 cu. ft. REFRIGERATOR • Factory installed Nice Cubesn" icemaker . • Spill proof glass shelves • Meat pan with adj. temperature • Adjustable humidity crispers • Gallon storage door bins 4, FINAL WEEK To take advantage of our Grand Opening SAVINGS 390 MAIN ST. 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