Faith Features

Peter Mitchell is a familiar face for church goers at St Paul's Parish Church in Chacewater. He's attended the church since he was a little boy, and for 50 years has been the organist during countless services, weddings, christenings and funerals.

"I joined the church choir and started to learn the organ. Even in those days there was a shortest of organists so I took over," remembers Peter.

Stunning views from the church

"I believe you're doing an important part of worship. Some people say that without an organ a service is not the same. You get a lot of joy out of it. I have enjoyed it anyway."

Father Andrew Gough has been the Vicar in Chacewater for more than ten years:

"I think Peter is one of the pillars here, he's probably one of the longest serving members of the congregation.

"To be honest there's lots of other innovations being brought into music in the church these days, but you can't beat the sound of a lovely pipe organ to lead worship on a Sunday.

"Peter will tell you himself it's part of his life, he really enjoys it," smiles Father Andrew.

St Paul's Church Tower

Peter has been playing the same church organ at St Paul's since the '50s.

"This organ was built in 1872, it's a two manual organ will a full concave pedal board. It's been restored several times in 1892, 1901, 1922 and 1939. In fact they were actually rebuilding the organ when World War II broke out," says Peter.

"It's a good old organ, I have played for hundreds of services. I have played at some people's weddings and then sadly in some cases I have played at their funerals too. It's had times of joy and times of sadness."