Words & Music - An Evening of Howard Davies' Music (revised)

Words & Music - An Evening of Howard Davies' Music
On Saturday 22nd October 2022, The Salvation Army Warragul presented this wonderful tribute concert of Howard Davies' Music. Appropriately titled “Words and Music” it featured many well-known compositions. It was a joy and a privilege to have the composer present and to have him participate conducting the Songsters several times and also playing the violin.
Major Howard Davies was certainly honoured, and we were honoured to see him in action throughout the evening, including receiving a Certificate of Recognition for Exceptional Service from the Territorial Leaders, and presented by Staff Bandmaster Ken Waterworth.
Many people contributed to the night including Warragul Band and Camberwell Citadel Band, Warragul Songsters and friends and our leaders Majors Lindsay and Jenni Frost, Staff Bandmaster Ken Waterworth and Bandmaster Andrew Blyth from the Music Editorial Department in the UK.
Another great feature of the night were two videos - first Howard Davies interviewed by Vic Clements and then a video prepared by Andrew Blyth featuring a number of well-known Salvation Army composers expressing their appreciation to Howard.
Those who came from Camberwell Corps, and also from various places throughout Victoria and interstate, were certainly appreciative of the evening - a number saying that it didn't feel like two hours. It was also good to have three of Howard's 4 children, Jenni, Christine and Fiona, here taking part and for Stephen to be acknowledged.
Thank-you Howard Davies for your immense contribution to Salvation Army music for the glory of God and His Kingdom. Your “Words and Music” have blessed us and we recognise your exceptional service and are so grateful for the gifts you have given.
In 2019 Howard wrote these very personal words of gratitude to God -
Lord, You are so good to me.
All through life you’ve cared for me;
Taught my heart to trust in You and follow, unafraid.
Through the years you’ve sheltered me,
Been my soul’s security,
Guided ev’ry step I’ve taken, held me when I strayed.
Through the sunshine, through the storm,
Darkest night or cheerless morn;
Always has your presence held me safe within your care.
Lord, You are so good to me.
You’re my life, my destiny.
Nothing in creation is outside of Your control.
All the Heavens sing of you!
Sun and moon bow down to you!
No one else would I entrust as guardian of my soul.
When at night I lift my gaze,
Countless stars my soul amaze,
Knowing each is held and guided, as indeed am I.
Lord, You are so good to me,
All through life You’re guiding me,
Ev’ry step of faith I take You hold me lest I fall.
Lord, You’ve been so good to me,
Through the years you’ve sheltered me.
Time with You will never end or Your compassion fail.
Yes! God is good to me!
Howard Davies (2019)