GIBSON MEMORIAL UNITED CHURCH BIDS FAREWELL
TO LONG-TERM CHURCH ORGANIST AND CHOIR DIRECTOR

Effective December 31, 1999, Eleanor Bilensky is retiring as Organist and Choir Director from Gibson Memorial United Church in Fredericton after more than 47 years of faithful and dedicated service.

Eleanor started at Gibson Memorial on November 15, 1952, and she has served the congregation continuously since, working with nine different Ministers in providing musical leadership in varied church activities. In addition to directing the Senior Choir, she has provided guidance and direction to a number of Youth and Junior Choirs throughout the years.

A highlight of her career at Gibson occurred in the spring of 1999, when more than 60 previous Junior Choir members came back to Gibson Memorial to participate in a musical celebration as part of the church's 125th Anniversary activities.

Eleanor studied piano and organ for several years, which included formal studies at Mount Allison University in Sackville. During her early years, she was a pianist at Fredericton High School and performed on a religious program on CFNB radio on Sunday mornings. She also served as Secretary for the local music festival for five years.

Eleanor has always made herself available for weddings and funerals at Gibson, and throughout the years, has frequently played organ for McAdam's Funeral Parlour.

The congregation of Gibson Memorial demonstrated their love and appreciation to Eleanor and her family at a special celebration held on Sunday evening, December 5. It was attended by more than 200 of her friends. Boyd MacTavish acted as Master of Ceremonies for the evening, at which time a number of gifts and mementos were presented to her on behalf of the congregation.

All of Eleanor's friends and associates at Gibson Memorial want to extend best wishes to her and Charlie for a well-deserved retirement, and they wish them both many years of good health and happiness.