- ContributedEric Aarons, organist at Christ Church, Port Antonio, strikes up a tune on the renovated instrument.
ERIC AARONS is 90 years old, and still plays the 91-year-old pipe organ at the 160-year-old Christ Church in Port Antonio.
The organ was built by Walker and Sons of London, England and installed in 1909. And, as far as Mr. Aarons can recall, he began playing that instrument in 1936.
Mr. Aarons lives in a 70-year-old house, which was built by his father Johnathon, who was also organist and Sunday School Superintendent at Christ Church.
The house was recently restored by The Portland Heritage Foundation, financed by the Organisation of American States as a monument in the town.
Most musicians in the rural parts of the country, have learnt to play the organ, considered the cheapest and most accessible of instruments. And Mr. Aarons was no exception.
However, his musical foundation was laid by Bertha Beckford, who ran a music studio on lands adjoining the church.
Eric's father encouraged the young Aarons to practise playing hymns for Sunday School each week, and it was not long before started playing the opening and closing hymns each Sunday.
What was the first experience like? Showbiz asked.
"Nervous at times...there were a few errors, but I continued trying and got better each week. After a time I went on to practise the children to perform cantata and other pieces for seasonal festivals, like Easter, Harvest and Christmas," he said.
I have worked with several local and foreign priests at Christ Church, including Rev. Lander, late Canon B.C. Jones, W. Lambert, English clergy and now with Rev. Lloyd Becker. They all had their peculiarities," he continued.
No payment
Mr. Aarons said that, although he had been motivated by his father to play the organ, his music career began when he moved back from Kingston, after working with the Ministry of Housing.
"After working there for seven years, I went back home and began assisting the then organist D. L. Thompson. When he stepped down I took over as organist", Mr. Aarons said.
But he does not get paid for his service.
"In those days ....and still so now... in most churches you don't get a salary. At Christmas time, you receive an honorarium or a monetary gift," the organist told Showbiz.
The organ at the Port Antonio Christ Church was recently rebuilt at a cost of more than $1 million in time for the church's 160th anniversary celebrations.
And, Mr. Aarons explained that the instrument was dismantled by Walker and Son, organ builders in England, and updated to an electronic organ.
"In the olden days, the organ used to be played with a man sitting behind the organ and pumping air into its bellows by means of a lever. Nowadays the organist just has to switch on and play", he said.
Favourites
Mr. Aarons is cutting back on the hours he spends playing the organ and mostly assists the present organist.
Rev. Lloyd Becker, rector of Christ Church, told Showbiz: "Mr. Aarons is so attached to the organ and church that he attends service every Sunday and is at every choir practice.
Mr. Aarons told Showbiz that he particularly enjoyed playing Largo In G, Melody in F, written by Anton Rubinstein, which allowed variations to the central theme.
"I also enjoy playing hymns such as Onward Christian Soldiers, O Come All Ye Faithful and Hark The Herald Angels Sing", he said.
Tourists who visit Christ Church are given a guided tour of the church by Mr. Aarons who also plays for them.
- Justin Whyte
