RC Diocese of Argyll & the Isles

It is with great sadness that we hear of the death last week of John Bell, principal organist of the Diocesan Choir of Argyll & the Isles and organist at St Mary’s, Portree.
 
All too often, church organists make life miserable for congregations and clergy alike.  Conversations among priests often include anecdotes about their parish organist – too slow, too fast, too loud, awkward, difficult and uppity! None of these criticisms could be applied to Gentleman John.
 
For sure, he had his opinions.  But he always saw music as the servant of the liturgy and made himself the servant of the parish community. He truly loved the whole world of church organ music.  John didn’t just play the organ, he somehow prayed it! His technical skill was matched by the thoughtful and prayerful manner with which he chose music for the services.  He then played that music in a way which would uplift the congregation’s minds and hearts or encouraged the congregation to lift up their hearts and voices to the Lord in song!  John was a great organist, but he wasn’t a show off.  He played to lead others in prayer.  And he played beautifully, making his playing an act of prayer in itself.
 
John’s participation in our Pastoral Music Weekends was calm, patient and professional. Our cathedral liturgies were greatly improved by the high standard of his playing.  As part of the team of organists for the Papal Mass in 2010, John’s maturity and the humility of his approach to the task at hand were greatly appreciated.  His child-like pride at being involved in the Papal Liturgy was so strong that he couldn’t really comprehend how refreshing we found his contribution!
 
He was simply such a gentleman, a big man in so many ways, gently humorous and very kind.  It was always a joy to see him – whether seated at the organ, or turning up at the door – out of the blue – in his beloved camper van!
 
John was a magnanimous musician and we will miss him very much.
 
Let us pray for John’s wife, Judith, and their daughters for whom this loss is greatest.   We remember also Fr William and the parishioners on Skye. John’s remains will be received into the church in Portree on Wednesday 4th January at 7pm and his Funeral Mass will be on Thursday 5th January at 11am.  Flowers will be sent from the choir.  Fr James, Fr David and Fr Roddy will travel to Skye for the funeral.  Fr Michael will play the organ.

Fr. Michael & Fr. James