Thomas Tertius Noble (May 5, 1867 – May 4, 1953) was an English-born organist and composer, who lived in the United States for the latter part of his career.

He served as organist and choirmaster at a number of churches including Ely Cathedral and York Minster in England and St Thomas Episcopal Church in New York City. He is chiefly remembered for his music for the Anglican church.

Early life and education

Noble was born on 5 May 1867 in Bath, England, to Thomas Noble (a silversmith) and Sarah Jefferson. The name 'Tertius' derives from Noble being the third Thomas in his family.

In his youth, Noble was introduced to the pipe organ by James Pyne, organist at Bath Abbey, and from 1880 he was tutored in the organ at Gloucester Cathedral. Frederick Ouseley declined to accept Noble as a student at his music school, citing that "the market was over-stocked." He designed a new organ for St Mary's in 1947 which was built by M. P. Möller.

In 1932 Noble became the first person outside the British Isles to be awarded the Lambeth degree of Doctor of Music by the Archbishop of Canterbury. He was an examiner and member of the national council of the American Guild of Organists and also served as president of the National Association of Organists.

Noble composed orchestral and chamber music, including an orchestral Introduction and Passacaglia performed at The Proms on 17 August 1945, where it was conducted by a former pupil, Basil Cameron.

Personal life

In 1897 Noble married Meriel Maude Stubbs (daughter of Charles Stubbs, Dean of Ely), with whom he had a son, Philip Raymond Noble (1903–1979). The hymn tune "Rockport" composed by Noble was named after the city of his death.

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Further reading

  • (McConnell was a student of Noble and was his assistant during Noble's last years at St. Thomas.)
  • York Musical Society