Borders Organist Commemorates 75 Years of Service

A Borders-based organist is commemorating her 75th year of performing music during church services. Rita Purves, aged 88, has resided predominantly in Morebattle and its vicinity, close to Kelso, throughout her life, commencing her role at the village’s church organ in 1949. She recently accepted a “local hero” award, presented by Ettrick, Roxburgh and Berwickshire MSP Rachael Hamilton, which was bestowed to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the Scottish Parliament. Having begun at the age of 13, Rita has since participated in thousands of services across local churches over the decades. Rita explained her musical beginnings, stating: “My aunt taught me to play. She taught various cousins as well, and when my cousin Nettie left the organist job to go to university, I started playing – I was 13. I suppose since then it’s just become a habit. I’ve always come to church and it’s always been part of my life.” Throughout her tenure, she has demonstrated a readiness to adapt. She commented: “I like all kinds of music, all sorts of hymns, but to be quite honest my favourite type of music is Scottish country dance music. But I just love hearing the music and being able to help the choir and the church congregations, and real organ music is so nice for christenings and weddings, and an important part of funerals too.” Certain hymns, such as Fairest Lord Jesus and By Cool Siloam’s Shady Rill, remain frequently requested. However, musical trends evolve, leading to requests for contemporary songs by recent pop stars at weddings and other events. Rita expressed her enjoyment of this particular challenge. She remarked: “It can take a while to learn it in the weeks before the wedding or whatever, but I think that’s what keeps my mind going.” She further noted that a significant shift observed at funerals and weddings has been a transition from voluntaries – the customary organ music for church services – to a greater preference for Scottish music. Nevertheless, she finds most melodies relatively simple to master. “Most of the time I don’t find it difficult,” she stated, adding, “All the hymns are well programmed in there now.” MSP Ms Hamilton described it as “quite remarkable” that an individual had demonstrated “so much time and dedication” to both the church and the practice of playing the organ. Since 1949, Rita has been a constant presence in the area’s churches, with her only brief absences occurring during her primary teaching studies and a visit to Australia. Despite experiencing a heart attack on Boxing Day several years prior and a fractured pelvis from a fall last year, she resumed her organ duties within weeks following each incident. Debbie Brown, who has led the choir for over two decades, acknowledged that the atmosphere differs when Rita is absent from her position. “Having Rita at the organ is just wonderful,” she commented. “She’s not away often, very occasionally on holiday, but we miss her dreadfully when she’s not here. And she has so much experience you can just give her a piece of music and she’ll play it.” Rev Colin Johnston, Minister of Cheviot Churches, conveyed that Rita’s dedication is valued by all. He observed: “She keeps up with the times. Things change, there are new hymns, funerals have changed a lot, and people are wanting different kinds of music, and Rita has responded to all of that.” He confessed that a “big question” looms regarding their plans for her eventual retirement. “These days not so many people can play the organ so it is becoming a worry for churches but we’ll cross that bridge when it comes,” he stated. “For now we’re just delighted we have someone of Rita’s dedication, talent and experience.” Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read about our approach to external linking.