The musical mastery, contribution to society and the life of Karl Fuller were celebrated in a surprise appreciation dinner, in Runaway Bay on Saturday, June 17.
The function at Holiday Heaven, Runaway Bay, St Ann, was also a birthday party as Mr Fuller celebrated his special day on Sunday, June 18, Father’s Day. It was arranged by the St Ann’s Bay Parish Church choir, with Margaret Crooks and Margaret Tait playing the lead roles.
Karl Fuller has been an outstanding organist and choir master whose work and range of talent, developed in St Ann, have long extended to all corners of the island and even overseas.
He learnt music as a child from his mother and has been generously giving of his talent, over nearly six decades, in service God and various religious denominations as well as to individuals and civic organizations.
It was mentioned at the appreciation dinner and said repeatedly by those who benefitted that he has never charged for his leadership of choir, training of people, playing at special events such as weddings or even for opening up pipe organs anywhere on the island when one was being installed.
The greater part of his service has been to the Parish Church in St Ann’s Bay but for years he has played every first Sunday for the St Ann’s Bay Baptist Church. Also he has provided musical help, ideas and accompaniment to other denominations.
Those paying tribute to Mr Fuller for 59 years of musical service included Rev Dr Howard Gregory, Bishop of Jamaica and the Cayman Islands; the Venerable Hollis Lynch, retired archdeacon of Montego Bay; Rev Dr Harold Daniel, retired bishop and former rector of St Ann’s Bay Cure and retired custos Radcliffe Walters.
Mr Lynch spoke of the well known RJR programme ‘Christian Hymns of Our Time’ and reflected on his assignment in St Ann when he was close to Mr Fuller. He said that Mr Fuller showed compassion and assisted many young men in the Lime Hall area years, helping them to get work, some at Kaiser where he worked. “I thank him for the sincerity of his friendship,” Mr Lynch said.
“He epitomized the giftedness that he has been given by God and has completely given himself to God,” said Rev Karlene Kirlew of the St Ann Circuit of Baptist Churches.
There were many tributes in song, including by the St Ann’s Bay Parish Church Choir, musician and educator Norma Walters, and a trio by Carole Reid, Dawn Fuller-Phillips and K Black and by Roosevelt Crooks
Mr Fuller was hailed for his service to St Ann’s Bay Singers, St Ann’s Bay Citizens Association Scottish Free Masonry, St Ann’s Bay Lay Magistrates Association and as JP also deputizing as custos
Former Custos Walters said Mr Fuller shared his musical talent with whoever called on him for his assistance.
Grace at dinner was said by Rt Rev Leon Green, Suffragan Bishop of Montego Bay.
Guest speaker Dr Horace Betton was introduced by Anthony Carr, Dr Betton said, “Mr Fuller you are a marvelous gentleman with a great sense of humour.”
Mr Fuller thanked those who arranged the function and said he had to wonder “Do I deserve it all” to which there was a chorused response “Yes, you do.” .
He said this was the fourth function being held in his honour for his life’s work. He spoke of some of his local and international triumphs with choirs and singers and said “”I’ve had a great life.”He also spoke about the recognition he received in the streets from the programme ‘Great Christian Hymns…’ He said thanks to God and the leaders and others in the church.
Mr Fuller also thanked his mother and explained how she introduced him to musical notes. He became emotional as he said “My mother who loved me still guides me.” He also thanked his family and his wife Joy.
A cake made in the image of a pipe organ was wheeled in front of the head table and presented, with loud applause, to Mr Fuller and his wife Joy who were later asked to cut it. Also presentations were made to Karl Fuller by Margaret Crooks representing the St Ann Parish Church choir and by Louise Jackson on behalf of the St Ann’s Bay Baptist Church. Warren Richmond, on behalf of St Ann’s Bay Parish Church made a presentation to Joy Fuller and thanked her for “lending” Karl Fuller so often to the church and its causes. Mrs Crooks said a special thanks to Mrs Fuller saying “Kudos to you Mrs Fuller and God’s richest blessings.”
Among other special guests in attendance were Rev Monique Campbell, priest in charge of St Ann’s Bay Parish Church, Dr Phillip Henry, Deloris Dickens and Cynthia Graham.
Emcee was Livingston Green and vote of thanks was moved by Margaret Crooks.
