A long-serving organist and choirmaster in Durham Diocese has received a prestigious national award.
George Barber, who has served at St Peter’s Church in Stockton-on-Tees for 57 years, was presented with the Thomas Cranmer Award for Worship, by the Archbishop of Canterbury, The Most Revd Justin Welby.
The honour came at a garden party at Lambeth Palace, where George was one of 33 award winners on a memorable day.
George was recognised for sustained excellence in his many years of service to church music in Stockton-on-Tees and the Diocese of Durham.
“It was a wonderful occasion,” he said. “I felt honoured and privileged to attend such a ceremony and to receive this award (named after Thomas Cranmer, who served as the Archbishop of Canterbury between 1533 and 1555).
“It was a humbling experience to meet other award winners who had achieved so much in their spheres of work, not only in the UK, for I quickly became hugely aware of the breadth of our Anglican worldwide community and for the invaluable work carried out in so many countries - Italy, Myanmar, Australia, Korea, Zambia, USA, Hong Kong, Russia and Egypt.”
But George, who was appointed as the organist and choirmaster at St. Peter’s Church back in 1966, was quick to pay tribute to choir members past and present.
He added: “Such excellence not only reflects the director but importantly the singers. Several men within our choir have served almost as many years here as myself. I also dedicate this award to all members of my choir who have sustained such excellence.”
After 57 years, George continues to carry out his roles with distinction to this day. The choir at St Peter’s stands out as a beacon of excellence amongst parish church choirs nationally because of the enthusiasm and leadership he brings.
Through participation in the choir, hundreds of people within Stockton-on-Tees have had an opportunity to engage with and perform church music to a high standard.
St. Peter’s is situated in a deprived area of the town and the choir has had a transformative effect on many children from the surrounding area. They faithfully lead worship twice each Sunday and have had unique opportunities to lead worship in cathedrals and churches across the UK and Europe as well as sharing their musical talents with those most in need in the community, such as at the local hospice.
George’s inspiration, commitment and unending support for the choir has influenced innumerable lives over many decades and has been a constant source of inspiration and encouragement to generations of choristers. His legacy stands as a wonderful example of how music combined with vision, commitment and dedication can act as a powerful force for good within a local community.
George said he was amazed at how much Archbishop Welby knew about him. In thanking George “most profusely” he took a keen interest in current events within the Diocese of Durham, including the recent appointment of the Revd Canon Dr Philip Plyming as the new Dean of Durham.
George concluded: “He told me of encouraging and successful outreach work currently operating through the involvement of Canterbury Cathedral Choir. I was able to respond that similar projects are being undertaken by our own cathedral choir.
“This was the man who, a few weeks ago, was placing the crown on the head of King Charles III, witnessed by 400 million people across the world! An unforgettable day.”