A console or controller unit for a garage door operator includes a message recording and playback device. The console unit may be wall mounted or configured as a remote transmitter type unit and includes a molded light transmitting switch actuator part mounted on a housing part of the console unit between an outer wall and a circuit board and comprising integrally molded door operator, garage lighting and message record, playback and erase switch actuators. LED indicators provide light for illuminating the switch actuators and for indicating a message waiting and low battery power. The message recording and playback circuitry is electrically isolated from the door operator control circuitry and is battery powered. The message recording and playback device includes a programmable microcontroller for controlling a voice message recording and playback circuit.