Eric - The Organist

Eric Briers was born 90 years ago in Loughborough and from an early age he went along with his parents to the Strict Baptist Church at the bottom of Forest Road in Loughborough. However, when Eric was 12 years old the church closed and Eric and his family moved to Baxtergate Baptist Church. Very soon after this, Eric became fascinated with the organ and spent many hours watching the church organist, George Towers. Eric had 1 year of piano lessons and was then able to play for the Sunday School but his love was for the organ and he gained permission to play the church organ at times when there was no service.

One Sunday, Eric recollects, the minister, Dr. Brewer, was preaching about heaven and Eric felt God speaking to him and realised that unless he committed his life to God he would not be able to go to heaven. This marked the beginning of Eric’s Christian life and he regarded his ability in playing the organ to be a gift from God and as such he offered this as his service for God. For just over 7 years Eric played the small pipe organ at King Street Baptist Church in Loughborough and then, in September 1982 (21yrs ago), he was invited by Ralph Cochrane to play the organ at QBC.. He has always felt that he was playing for the Lord and not for himself. He very much enjoys playing hymns and says that it is a tremendous experience accompanying a full church singing to God’s glory.

Eric knows that God is always with him and that He gives him much strength to carry on. He regularly reads the Bible and also plays hymns on his electric organ at home. His wish for everyone is that they should trust the Lord whatever the circumstances and persevere in whatever path God leads them.

One of Eric’s favourite hymns is ‘Servant King’.

From heaven you came,
helpless babe,
Entered our world,
your glory veiled,
Not to be served but to serve,
And give your life
that we might live.

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