© 2011 Bethel Meth.. SN
Charles Raymond Naylor 1919 -
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, Handel’s 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.
Photo. taken by the Derbyshire Times ©
to mark his retirement as organist
Charles Raymond Naylor
1919 -