Benjamin Firth F.C.C.M.

F.G.C.M. stands for Fellow of the Guild of Church Musicians. which “exists to encourage all musicians within the church, whether amateur or professional,” Until 1988 the membership was mainly Anglican. Benjamin Firth was born in Idle (presumably Windhill as he lived there aged 4, and which was part of Idle district at that time). He was associated with St Paul’s for all his life.

Benjamin’s father (Joseph) had been the organist at St Paul’s before him for 33 years, and Benjamin took over from him at the age of 18 years. It was said that during his time in office (45 years) he only missed one Sunday due to illness.

In 1870 he married Alice Caroline PARKER. They lived in various parts of Shipley with their three children. An index to Yorkshire wills 1901-1920 gives the occupation of Benjamin Firth, died 1910, as “professor of music”.

The music on the mural tablet is from The Messiah by George Frederick Handel.