MARGARET EDMONSTON - ORGANIST, PIANIST AND TEACHER

After a recent choir practice a social gathering of choir members, conductors and organists was held at the manse to honour Margaret
Edmondston. Tribute was paid to her dedicated service over many years as organist at First Church and the influence she has had on the musical life of our city.

Margaret Edmonston learned to play the organ from George Lomas. She began playing at North Church in 1963 and later at Holy Trinity Church for two years from 1970. Since 1972 she has been the main organist at First Church - a span of 36 years. while at First she has played on the Baldwin organ and on two Rodgers organs, providing voluntaries, playing for the hymns, the choir and individual performers, officiating at weddings, funerals, special religious and social events and at concerts. She has accompanied the A Capella singers in concerts and carol services, and regularly played for the Candlelight Service at First Church on Christmas Eve and at Peacehaven services.

As president of the Tay Music Trust for eight years, Margaret has arranged concerts to encourage young, talented Southlanders to perform in the fine acoustics of the church. She has been a member of the Southland Girls' High School Old Girls' Association for a number of years, accompanying soloists and playing piano at their various functions. She is a member of the Southland Women's Club and has performed solos, duets accompanied vocal and instrumental items and the choir, always with competence and cheerful enthusiasm.

Margaret is a teacher of pianoforte and theory of long standing - many of her pupils have gained distinction in examinations and won prizes in the local Competitions. She was recognised as a distinguished branch member of the Institute of Registered Music Teachers of New Zealand in 2004.

Margaret's piano and organ playing has almost always been on a voluntary basis. Our church and the community has benefited greatly from her love of music and her willingness to give her time so generously and so selflessly over so many years.