After an extraordinary 67 years of service, organist Paul Mather has retired from his long-standing ministry to two churches in St Helens.

Paul first played the organ at St Thomas of Canterbury, Windleshaw, in the 1950s, serving the parish for around three years before leaving the area to undertake teacher training. On his return to St Helens in 1961, he began playing for St Julie’s, Eccleston, initially in temporary accommodation before the opening of the new church building in 1964.

Alongside his musical ministry, Paul began his teaching career at West Park Grammar School for Boys, now part of De La Salle High School. Many former pupils remember Paul’s work with enormous affection.

This month, having recently turned 90, Paul is finally “pushing in all the stops” after a total of around 67 years’ service to the two churches. Paul would like to express his heartfelt thanks to many singers, parishioners and clergy who have supported him in his demanding but rewarding role over the years.  Andrew Sharples, Organ Adviser to the Archdiocese of Liverpool, commented, “Paul has shown unrivalled commitment to the role of the organist as well as to that of a teacher. I have been aware of his outstanding contribution over a number of decades.”

The original organ at St Julie’s was modest in size, but in later years Paul became custodian of a fine three-manual instrument, installed through the inspired efforts of the parish priest, Fr Basil Walker, who is commemorated — along with his two brother priests — in a stained-glass window in the chapel on the north side of St Julie’s Church.

Paul’s service leaves a lasting legacy of faith, music and generosity that will be remembered with gratitude across both parishes.