Sitting quietly in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints chapel on a sunny May morning, Marion Bailey sang hymns to the music being played by another organist. This was a very different scenario to what she had been accustomed for the past fifty-eight years, but one Marion appreciated as she happily sat with her family in the church meeting.
Marion learned at the young age of nine to play the piano. As one of four children and her father having passed away, lessons could no longer be afforded. Local Church leader Branch President Moffat supported Marion’s talent by paying for her tuition.
At twelve years of age, Marion was playing the piano for primary. For sacrament hymns, the organist would play the first verse or two, Marion would play the middle verse and the organist would resume playing the final verse. When the congregation needed a new organist, Marion (at 12) was asked to fill that position.
Currently serving as nursery leader, Marion has served in various volunteer positions in Primary, the children’s organisation and President of the women’s Relief Society organizations.
Marion Bailey humbly felt it didn’t matter in which auxiliary she provided the music – they were equal to her.