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J Stewart Walker

Obituary of J Stewart Walker, teacher, organist and choirmaster; born February 4, 1929; died November 30, 2007.

Stewart Walker, who died at the age of 78 in November, was born in New Cumnock and lived in the area most of his life. As a young boy, Walker played the organ whenever his father Sam provided pulpit supply for St Andrew's United Free Church of Scotland in Cumnock. He also gained experience playing the organ at many other churches in the area.

He went on to be appointed as a music teacher at Cumnock Academy. In 1954 he married Mary Blackwood and in the same year he became organist and choirmaster of St Andrew's Church in Cumnock, where his father had served as minister. Walker found his calling serving in his church. He was ordained as an elder in 1961 and served as Sunday school superintendent for several years. During his 53 years of faithful service as choirmaster, Walker took the choir to other churches in the denomination as well as various other churches in the area.

He also gave piano lessons, with some of his pupils going on to become prominent professional musicians. He was recognised as an expert in church organs and provided advice to many other churches. He retired as organist and choirmaster in September 2007.

Full story at The Herald.