Omagh Methodist Church recently hosted an ‘organthon’ where a number of organists played over 12 hours with the aim of raising funds for the church’s newly-refurbished 100-year-old organ.

Taking place on Saturday, March 25 from 9am to 9pm, the event was very well attended, with more than 400 people coming through the doors during the 12-hour programme.

Commenting that the event was a “very successful day of praise and fellowship”, Betty Doonan, an organist who organised the event with Rev. Eleanor Hayden, said: “23 organists took part – several slots were taken up with two organists playing together, one on organ and another on either piano or clavinova.”

Alongside Betty, three other resident organists took part: Isobel Strong, Shirley Hawkes and Florence Caldwell.

The event was attended and supported by His Grace, The Duke of Abercorn, and Darryl Simpson of the famous Celtic Tenors brought the event to a fitting close with a large number of people in attendance.

Grateful for the support on the day, Betty added: “The ladies of our Methodist Women’s Institute did an amazing job with the tea and eats, and lunches were served between 12.30pm and 2pm, sponsored by Victor and Doreen Preston, members of our Omagh congregation, who also provided the floral arrangements in the church.”

To date, an amount of £4,350 has been raised which, together with an earlier appeal, has cleared the deficit on the church’s newly-refurbished organ.

Betty said: “A huge thank-you to everyone who contributed to the success of this memorable event, especially our good friends in Co. Fermanagh, including the Ferguson family from Aghadrumsee, and the Rev. Peter Ferguson, currently ministering in Castlederg, who sang at the event.”