Brother Cliff Smith, a member of the Loughborough Ward, has been a regular figure playing the organ for decades. Now, at the age of 89 years, he still plays at Sunday worship services.
As a boy he took piano lessons, completing all of his grades. His piano teacher recommended to his parents that they approach the organist and choirmaster at the parish church for further tuition, as she could not advance him any further. Cliff was accepted into the local parish church as a chorister in a large choir, and also as a pupil at the organ. He made good progress, and at the age of 13 he was asked by the headmaster of his school to play the organ for the daily assemblies which were held in a church close to the school. He continued this until he left school at age 17.
In 1965, Cliff and his wife, Betty, invited missionaries from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints into their home. In 1966, Betty accepted baptism into the church. Cliff attended church with her and was asked to play the piano at meetings, and also acted as branch clerk on assignment from the Branch President. In 1968, the year the branch was made a ward, he was baptised and called as second counsellor in the bishopric. In 1973, the ward was blessed with a small organ, so his talents were used to accompany the Sunday services, and this has continued ever since.
For Cliff, there have been many musical highlights at church which he has cherished. He has provided music for many happy wedding days, for baptisms, social activities and funerals. Every Christmas Day, the Loughborough Ward holds a carol service, which he has thoroughly enjoyed being part of.
Cliff wrote music for the words written by the then Stake President, Ernest Hewitt, entitled “This Is Our Place”. This hymn was sung at the close of the Area Conference in 1971 attended by President Joseph Fielding Smith in Manchester. Then, in October 1973, President Harold B. Lee and Elder Gordon B. Hinckley attended a regional conference held in a local cinema theatre. Cliff was privileged to play the organ for the conference, and then again for Sacrament meeting at the Loughborough Chapel in the evening, with President Lee in attendance. These have been choice and uplifting moments.
Reflecting on his service in church music, Cliff wishes to acknowledge all who have inspired him along the way, and from D&C 25:12, the promise: “for my soul delighteth in the song of the heart; yea the song of the righteous is a prayer unto me, and it shall be answered with a blessing upon their heads”.
Music has certainly been a blessing in Cliff’s life.