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Charles Raymond Naylor 1919 - 2006
Raymond died on Thu. 9th Nov. 2006. He had been organist at Bethel
for 70 yrs starting by playing the piano for the Sunday School at the
age of 11 and at the age of 13 he started playing the organ for
services . He was also a boy soprano, competing in many local musical festivals.
During WW2 he served in the Grenadier guards at Caterham barracks
where he played the piano in the NAFFI. He also played the piano in a
dance band and at this time also had a regular spot playing the organ
at the Majestic Cinema, Reigate.
On his return he became senior organist at Bethel. Over the years he
accompanied the choir in performances of the great oratorios,
Handels Messiah and Judas Maccabaeus, Haydn's Creation,
Mendelssohns's Elijah. And in lighter moments the operettas,
Lehár's Merry Widow, Edward German's Merrie England and
Gilbert and Sullivan's Gondoliers. And in even lighter moments
pantomimes and shows such as Cinderella, Babes in the Woods, The
Black and White Minstrels Show.
It was a sad day in 2000 when at the age of 80 Raymond decided to
retire as organist at Bethel this was the result of increasing ill
health. Raymond was still officially one of Bethel's organists having
been reappointed at the Annual Church Meeting in October(2006). He
leaves his wife Betty, three daughters and grandchildren.
A memorial service was held at Bethel on Sun 26th of Nov.06.
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