March 15, 2021
Story by C. Richard Campbell with the help of Rotarian Ken Smith’s notes
Pre-Covid-19 photograph of Ian Madge from Toironto.com and has been edited
Other photographs are screen captures of the You Tube live streaming of the church service or provided by Rotarian Mike Cobb
On Sunday, March 14, 2021 at the St. Paul’s Presbyterian Church in Simcoe, Ontario; Ken Smith of The Rotary Club of Simcoe for over 55 years (and a St. Paul’s choir member) presented a Paul Harris Fellow award to Ian Madge of Simcoe.
Story by C. Richard Campbell with the help of Rotarian Ken Smith’s notes
Pre-Covid-19 photograph of Ian Madge from Toironto.com and has been edited
Other photographs are screen captures of the You Tube live streaming of the church service or provided by Rotarian Mike Cobb
On Sunday, March 14, 2021 at the St. Paul’s Presbyterian Church in Simcoe, Ontario; Ken Smith of The Rotary Club of Simcoe for over 55 years (and a St. Paul’s choir member) presented a Paul Harris Fellow award to Ian Madge of Simcoe.
"Ian has been organist and choir director here for decades, and under our current Covid restrictions spends countless hours producing the hymn and anthem arrangements in such a form to accommodate these live-stream broadcasts, and was instrumental in the process of acquiring and installing the necessary equipment.
One occasion, in which I participated, a member of St Mary’s had written a hymn and gave it to Ian who took the music and produced an arrangement for four-part choir and organ. The St. Paul’s choir preformed this arrangement at a service at St. Mary’s. I spoke to the song writer after the service and she was in tears with gratitude.
Ian’s father before him and Ian now provides, sets up and operates the sound system for the Remembrance services at the Carillon Tower. He has voluntarily composed, directed and played at Lions’ club and Little Theatre productions over the years." (Ken Smith)This is a talented man. Even as a young boy, it was evident that he was musically gifted.
"We all remember Deedie Campbell, of this congregation, who taught public school. There was a nine or ten year old boy in her class who could play the piano and Deedie called upon him to entertain the class when it was deemed necessary and he readily obliged. " (Ken Smith)
This is no ordinary musician. He is an organist, piano player, video and audio technician and biker. The man is not your stereotypical biker.
"As one of a group of wannabe Hell’s Angels including our Jim Jackson, for years took a motorcycle trip to areas of Canada and the United States. On one occasion they ended up for dinner at this posh place where there was a grand piano but no piano stool. After persistent prodding the front desk finally produced the piano seat and Ian began to play. A crowd gathered with everyone asking if Ian could play their favourite song and of course he would oblige." (Ken Smith)
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| Simcoe Rotarian Ken Smith | Ian Madge, Paul Harris Fellow |
"This is a story showing clear evidence of how God works through His people using their talents to accomplish His will and purpose, making the world around us a better place." (Ken Smith)
For more information on The Rotary Foundation and Paul Harris Fellow awards, visit https://www.rotary.org/en/history-paul-harris-fellow-recognition
Declaration: Deedie Campbell who is mentioned in this story died a number of years ago, she was a member of the St. Paul's Presbyterian Church in Simcoe and the mother of the writer.