On Sunday 24 August, St William’s celebrated the 90th birthday with one of their musicians, Jackie Williams; with cake and African drumming. Always one to champion everyone to ‘have a go’, this was an all-age party enjoying a new way of making a joyful noise.
I never believed I would celebrate my 90 birthday in the Catholic Church, but here I am after being received and confirmed in 2023. God still has work for me to do and I intend to live this out. Slower than before, but still running the race with perseverance!
My arrival in St William’s has been a journey of faith, prayer and music. Baptised in Sheffield 1935, into an Anglican family; I am a multi-instrumentalist, – my main instruments are flute and Piano, although I no longer play flute.
I studied music at Manchester and Reading in the 1950’s and experienced incredible opportunities playing flute alongside well-known musicians, with Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra and Sir John Barbirolli. I acquired a wealth of Conducting knowledge from the Professor – skills I would use throughout my career. Having wanted to be an orchestral player, I discovered early on, that life was not for me.
Returning to Sheffield as Head of Music at Grange Grammar School, it was wonderful to encourage girls to fulfil their musical ambition. Alongside teaching, I wrote and arranged music; as well as playing in several Sheffield Orchestras. I was also had my first choir: The Youth Squash Choir – a vibrant group of young people who came together to sing and express their faith.
After the arrival of comprehensive education, I retired from classroom teaching but continued instrumental teaching for a while, but I found it was restrictive in creativity. Having been a Sunday School teacher, I became a Church Leader in the Housechurch. Prayer is and remains at my core and God was showing me the next steps on my journey. Approached by Kingsway Music I proofed arrangements and typeset the early Songs of Fellowship books. I began my music publishing business – JAW Music, writing arrangements for experienced and beginner musicians to be used in churches. Interdenominational churches across the globe were now requesting copies. JAW Music ran until I was 70 and the ownership was transferred.
Billy Graham visited Sheffield in 1985, and I trained the choirs of over 500 in the North. At the Mission I was privileged to be asked to conduct my arrangements.
Afterwards, the Sheffield section carried on and became The Celebration Choir with 300 members. We proclaimed the gospel through song around the UK and it was one of the highlights of my Christian witness in music, releasing several recordings.
In 1998 bowel cancer arrived and I had to step away from music. Every fibre of strength was devoted to prayer and survival. After a gruelling two years of operations/chemotherapy, I was cancer free and back conducting.
There is a time for everything and a season for every activity and after 27 years it was time. Aged 75 I relinquished my role as church leader and musical director.
Before lockdown, I was invited to Mass at St William’s. God was guiding me, and I was transfixed with the reverence afforded to the Body and Blood of Christ. My prayer life widened, I feel immediate peace wash over me when I partake in the sacrament.
Been given a talent of music, I am now one of the organists/musicians. God always finds an opportunity for the willing servant. I still write occasional arrangements and I know this is where I am meant to be. I am still learning, praying and listening to what God wants me to do. We never know where we will be called to serve! Jackie Williams
