Mysticism, numerology and the supernatural played a role in the life of composer and organist Healey Willan. Such a big role, in fact, that he even decided to move to Canada because the invitation to teach at the Toronto Conservatory of Music came on the third day of the third month in 1913 when he was 33 years old.

And: Willan believed in ghosts.

During the time he served as organist and choirmaster at the Anglican Church of St. Mary Magdalene in Toronto, Willan appears to have been quite friendly with one.  Here’s how he described her to his biographer, F.R.C. Clarke:

“Ghosts are quite common. We have one at St. Mary’s – an old girl who used to be the charlady… I’ve seen her frequently in the church when I have gone in to practice at night. She doesn’t bother me, so I don’t bother her. As a matter of fact, I’m rather fond of her, you know – I believe she likes plainchant.”

Willan served as organist and choirmaster at St. Mary’s from 1921 until his death on February 16, 1968, but the ghost at St. Mary’s wasn’t a hindrance to his success. On the contrary, Willan’s original music, organ performances and excellent choirs made the church a must-visit destination for visiting musicians, as well as a loyal congregation. 

You can hear Willan play the organ for this hymn Ye Watchers and Ye Holy Ones, and improvise between the verses. Take a look at some of the comments after the video for some touching memories of Willan at St. Mary’s.

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posted by Catherine McClelland on Feb 15, 2012