On Sunday 20th July 2025, 42 singers from EHCCA member churches sang Evensong in St James, Stansteadbury – an impressive number! We were joined by a sizeable congregation – in their box pews! – and Rev’d Dr Sarah Forrest, the Vicar of the Benefice, led the service. Michael Smith (St Mary’s, Standon) directed and Marion Smith played the organ (pumped again by the official Pumper). The rehearsal was at 2.30; and the service was at 4.00.
After the service, everyone present was invited to delicious tea and cakes on the Terrace of Stanstead Bury, the Trower family home. This is a special setting for our after -service gathering.
The music list was: Introit: Peace I leave with you (Amy Beach); Responses: Anthony Wilson; Canticles: Walmisley in D minor; Anthem: If ye love me (Tallis).
Regarding the church itself, this description is taken from the church’s website: St James’ has been a landmark for seven centuries. Built on a hillside above the River Lea, its embattled buttressed tower was a steering point for those on the water and a waymark for those on the ancient route to London. The church’s unspoiled interior has hardly been touched since Georgian times and features unusually high box pews and a three-decker pulpit. Monuments include that of a local nobleman, Sir Edward Baesh, who is shown kneeling opposite his wife.
It is a special church to visit. If you haven’t done so yet, directions are: post code SG12 8JZ. Access from A414 (on Harlow to Amwell road), through Stanstead Abbotts or from Roydon. Parking is available by the stables and house (past the church).