Sunday 25th marked a sad day for Fetteresso as it was the end of an era. Just over 45 years ago Ian Gillis came to Fetteresso as church organist and choir master. As you all know, Ian and Liz have decided to make the move back down to Glasgow to be near their two boys and their families. This must have been a hard decision to make, leaving friends and church family here but we wish them all the best in their move to Glasgow.
We couldn’t however just let them disappear without recognising the service that both have given to Fetteresso over these years using their gifts and talents. Ian actually completed 45 continuous years service as organist and choir master in July.
In addition to this role, we mustn’t forget the other duties that Ian has assumed over the years. Behind the scenes Ian was a member of the Finance Team and also the Property Team. Naturally, he was a member of the worship team. Ian was also Chairman of a past Vacancy committee but it is as Mr ‘Musicman’ that Ian will be fondly remembered.
Ian as Organist has led our church services and played for weddings and funerals. But not many choirmasters will have a CV like Ian. With his church choir they have performed Stainer’s Crucifixion, the Vivaldi Gloria, Faure Requiem, Handel’s Messiah (twice) and over 25 years Christmas concerts which raised funds for local charities. Special mention should also be made of our clandestine trip over the hill to Crathie church with our minister to lead worship for the Queen.
Ian’s musical activities for the wider church also included playing for various groups when required and organising Fetteresso Fol de Rols, The Big Sing, Talent shows and church recitals. Ian’s musical gifts and other talents will be so missed by us all.
Speaking of talents and gifts, we cannot forget about those brought to Fetteresso by Liz. Over the years Liz has been a member of the Young Wives group, The Guild, Hospitality and the Banner group. Some of Liz’s stitches helped to make the banners currently displayed in our church. Liz also used her gifts on the church Welcome teams, serving teas and coffees at Heart for Art and other groups and also in the management of the church cafe.
As a church we would have loved to give them a proper Fetteresso send off with Tea, coffee, cake, maybe even lunch. It should have been a time for hand shakes, cuddles and maybe the odd kiss, but that was not to be. Covid rules all our lives just now.
At Sunday’s service, as a mark of our appreciation of their service to our church family a cheque and a black & white portrait of Ian was presented to Ian and Liz from the congregation along with a special gift of a painting of a scene of Stonehaven and flowers from the choir.
Finally, we let Ian and Liz know that we were sending them off to Glasgow with our love and our best wishes for their future there. They will still be around for a little while, but they know the road back so, once they are settled in and things are back to normal, they will be most welcome here with their Fetteresso family.