In October 2024, Dr John Harrison was to celebrate 50 years as Musical Director and Organist at St Mary’s Church, Tenby. A memorial service will be held at the church this Sunday.

John’s birth was accompanied by music from the Salvation Army Band playing outside the window and this must surely have had some influence on his future career! He started composing at the age of seven and could by then read a full orchestral score. He progressed through music lessons at home with his parents and then with a local music teacher, to organ lessons with the then St Mary’s organist and organ lessons with Peter Boorman at St David’s Cathedral. Later, he studied with Royston Havard in Aberystwyth.

John joined St Mary’s Choir as a boy treble in 1959, following in his father’s footsteps. He became Assistant Organist at St Mary’s in 1964 at the age of 15. He began his studies at Aberystwyth University in 1968 studying for a BA which quickly changed to a B.Mus. degree. He became Assistant Organist at Holy Trinity Church, deputising at St Michael’s and at St Anne’s, Penparcau and at Llanbadarn Fawr. He became conductor of The Aberystwyth Choral Union and accompanist of the Elizabethan Madrigal Singers while still playing at St Mary’s Tenby during the college holidays. He graduated in 1971, and won the Charles Clements Performance Prize. While working on his doctorate, he lectured part-time in the Music Department.

He became Organist and Director of Music at St Mary’s in 1974 and since then he devoted himself to developing and maintaining a high standard of music to enhance the worship. He encouraged many young people to continue their music studies by giving them the opportunity to perform in public. He was always willing to rehearse with instrumentalists and vocalists and to accompany them in performance.

John’s gentle encouragement has helped many a young person to progress. After 40 years at St Mary’s he was awarded the British Empire Medal.

John continued his work with the choir, assisting clergy members and the choirmaster with the planning of services for the major festivals throughout the year. The congregation particularly admired him for his skilful improvisations during services. He continued to serve the community with distinction until his unexpected death on August 27, 2024.

A memorial service for John will take place at St Mary’s Church on Sunday, October 6, 10am.