Organists and Choirmasters of Ormskirk Parish Church from 1731

From To Name Notes
17311783James ParrinNominated by Jane Brooke and ratified by the Earl of Derby; first Organist & Choirmaster following the Restoration and the installation of the new Organ by Samuel Shepard
17831835Michael HeathcoteCelebrated by a memorial on the inside West wall of the South Tower, Heathcote had the longest tenure of any of the incumbent Organists in the church’s history.
18351846Thomas HarriotFormerly chorister under Heathcote; Harriot had assisted Heathcote during his final illness and was the last Organist to be nominated by the Earl of Derby under the provision of Jane Brooke’s will. Hariot was also quoted in George Lea’s ‘Handbook to Ormskirk’, published in 1893
18461888James WattsFormerly of Bristol Cathedral. b. Kingswood, 1809; d.1888 and buried in Ormskirk, along with his wife.  Lived 17, Stanley Street. 
18871887George WattsSon of James Watts. Born Wootton-under-Edge, Gloucs., 1845.  Assisted his father towards the end of his tenure
18891889William George Wattsb. 1849, Paulton, Somerset.  Nephew of James Watts, whom he had assisted for many years
18891899Edwin HeildCovered when William(?) George Watts was detained, and seemingly continued in post on his return.  b. 1854. Lived West View
19031926Joseph OrmesherFRCO, LRAM, &c. Born in Ormskirk, 1873.  Originally worked in shop of his father, who was a boot & shoe maker.  Lived 13 Wigan Road, where he taught piano.  Also taught organ.  Founding member of Liverpool Organists’ Association; 2nd. Chairman in 1911/12.
Note from web: Joseph’s musical career saw him play on the stage of the Working Men’s Institute on Moor Street for a benefit concert hosted by the Lord Mayor of Liverpool (the Hon. William Oulton) to raise funds for the destitute minors after the Tawd Vale Colliery Disaster in 1898
19261935FA WattsNo indication of any relationship to the earlier or later Watts organists
19361962Edward Bamberb.1914; ARCO, ChM, LGSM.  Salary increased from £75 to £100 in 1947. Moved south in 1962. Left bequest to the value of half of his house to OPC
19421943Charles W BridsonFRCO; Organist of Liverpool Parish Church which had been burnt out in the blitz; temporary appt. whilst Bamber away on military service.  Returned to LPC in 1943  Succeeded Jos. Ormesher as Chairman of the LOA, 1912/13
19431945Roderick BrownSucceeded Bridson in filling in for Bamber
19621966Arthur BerryFrom St Paul’s, Skelmersdale
19661967Graham WattsNo known connection with previous eponymous ‘Watts’ organists
19671968Peter S JonesARMCM; taught at Sunnymede School, Southport
19681979Ronald Sandbach‘Ron’ Sandbach was well-regarded by the congregation in Ormskirk and provided some stability after a series of short tenures.
19681969Mrs Audrey BurgoyneRecognised as Deputy Organist to Ron Sandbach
19691987George CromptonRecognised as Deputy Organist, 1969; continued under subsequent Choirmasters
19791982Paul MelvilleAppointed as Choirmaster; Organist and Choirmaster became split roles.  Resigned 1982 to take up Organist’s role at St Helens Parish Church
19791983Tony NightingaleHad offered to re-amalgamate the role and take over on resignation of Paul Melville.  Went to Sefton Parish Church
19841986David EvansChoirmaster.  Offered then subsequently withdrew request to resign as Choirmaster, 1985
19841986Philip BellOrganist; Resigned Christmas 1986
19871994George CromptonDeputy redesignated as Organist
1986Alan HoodChoirmaster only
1994Steve KyriacouChoirmaster only; date of succession from Hood unknown
19941997Richard BaileyBA, MA, PGCE; re-established joint role of Organist and Choirmaster
19971999Christopher LennieResigned due to work commitments
19992011Michael KelsallResigned to take post at St Luke’s, Orrell
2011presentMark RawsthornFormerly Priory Church of St Thomas-the-Martyr, UpHolland; previoiusly St Agnes, Ullet Road, St Mary, Walton-on-the-Hill, and St James’s, West Derby