Nineteen-year-old Dan Powell, from Southern Synod, is April’s recipient of the Lundie Memorial Award.
Dan, who discovered his love for the organ at the young age of five, has been playing in church since he was 15. He often plays the opening songs in one church before running to another, starting half an hour later, to play their introductory songs.
Although he is always adding new songs to his repertoire his favourite song is “How Great Thou Art”, the last song sung with his great grandad before he died and which he played at his funeral. Dan’s skills are often utilised for funerals and weddings, a responsibility he says is daunting but also a privilege.
Dan called his award win a shock and encouraged others his age to get involved in their communities.
“Do it,” he said. “Go ahead and you might surprise yourself and love serving the church too.”
Dan, who was nominated by Pam Tolhurst, Gillingham United Reformed Church’s local leader, is described by her as “a valuable member of the church, someone who is reliable and totally committed to giving of his best”.
Each recipient of the Lundie award receives £100. Dan is still thinking about how best to use this but knows it will be of great benefit to his church.
Learn more about the Lundie award and how to nominate a young person.