Cayman Islands: John Gray Memorial Church celebrates 50 years of Katherine Jackson’s Music Ministry

By Georgina Wilcox

Last Sunday (17) at 5:30pm church members and friends packed West Bay’s John Gray Memorial Church to celebrate a music tribute to Katherine (Kathy) Jackson, their Organist and Choir Director whose Church Music Ministry has spanned 50 years.

Musical tributes were provided by The John Gray Memorial Church Choir, Antonio Sanchez Alvarez (piano) accompanied by Yoan Tomayo Garcia (violin) – “Medley of Praise”, Dr. Hon. W. McKeeva Bush who gave a rousing vocal solo of “Holy City”, Noel Wallace (piano) – “He”, Denver Bloomfield (piano) – Bach’s “Prelude in F major BWV565”, Garth Webster (piano) – “Joyful, Joyful”, plus the whole congregation singing “Praise to the Lord Almighty” and “The Power of Your Love”.

Cathy also accompanied her choir on the piano after her own response (that was a very entertaining 20 minutes commencing from when she learnt the piano as a child right up to the present day).

Other persons taking part were Angela Martins – Chair of Council, Betty Ebanks, Andrea Bothwell, Rev Dr Yvette Noble Bloomfield, and Rt. Rev L Christopher Mason – Moderator.

There was also a tribute to Kathy executed by McKeeva Bush before he sang. He said it was impossible for him to get to a podium and just sing! There was much laughter and applause at this.

Immediately after the Music Tribute refreshments were served in the church hall where a beautiful cake made into a piano complete with keys and bearing Kathy’s name was cut by Kathy flanked by her family.

Congratulations to Kathy. You deserved every accolade.

IMAGES: Colin Wilson