You can listen to a recording of the Memorial Service for the late Allen Wayte here.

Allen Roy Wayte (1952-2008) We were deeply saddened by the news on Wednesday, December 3rd, of the death of our beloved Director of Music, Allen R. Wayte. Allen had been with us since the summer of 1997 and over the years had shown himself to be a man of deep spirituality, exceptional musical skill and effective, gentle leadership. His music inspired us in worship, comforted us in times of sorrow, filled us with the joy of faith and often lifted us into the presence of God. Allen’s humour, kindness, sense of justice, friendship and love have helped us become stronger Christians and a more faithful congregation. A Memorial Service for Allen took place at First Baptist Church Halifax on Tuesday, December 9 at 11 a.m. and you can listen to a recording of the service here. Born in Northern Ontario, Allen Wayte (Bac.Mus.(Toronto), F.T.C.L. (England), Dip. Ch. Mus. (R.S.C.M.), began his music career as a choirboy at Grace Cathedral, San Francisco. Musical studies in organ and harpsichord performance, brought him home to Canada, and later England. While in England, Mr. Wayte studied improvisation with the then organist of Ely Cathedral, Dr. A Wills. Upon his return to Canada he held several positions in Ontario including the post of Organist and Master of the Gentlemen and Boys of St. Peters, Brockville. In the summer of 1997, Allen was appointed the Director of Music at First Baptist, Halifax. His duties included the administration of a music programme that included four choirs, a concert series and regular organ recitals. For the 2006-2007 academic year Allen served as interim University Musician at the Atlantic School of Theology, Halifax. As an active recitalist and accompanist, Allen recorded for both Vision and CBC television, and CBC Radio 2. He performed for such gatherings as the National Convention of the Royal Canadian College of Organists and the Global Convention of the Hymn Society. Allen was known for his electric and engaging improvisations on the organ and his ability to programme works and ideas that expanded the resources of the organ. Allen successfully presented recitals on such topics as the "Sinking of the Titanic" and the use of fiction, as with his concert using the text of "Lord of the Rings". Allen conducted two community based choirs, the Chebucto Singers and the Seton Cantata Choir. As a choral director, he achieved acclaim as a conductor who obtained the best from the singers under his control. Allen also maintained an active studio of organ students. A memorial service will be held at First Baptist Church, Halifax, 1300 Oxford St., at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, December 9.Visitation will be on Monday, December 8, from 7-9 p.m. in J.A. Snow Funeral Home, 2666 Windsor St., Halifax. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Allen Wayte Music Scholarship Fund, being held in trust by First Baptist Church, Halifax. A benefit concert in tribute to Allen will be held early in the new year. We join with Allen’s many friends and loved ones in expressing our sorrow for his loss and our thanksgiving for having known him. May the God whose resurrection power gives us our hope surround Allen’s many friends and loved ones with peace and comfort. You can listen to a recording of the Memorial Service for the late Allen Wayte here.