On September 12th 2022, EHCCA was asked by Revd. Sarah Forrest, Vicar of St. James Stansteadbury, to provide a Choir for this special Service on Sunday 18th September. In the event, a good and well balanced choir of 36 came together for this very special occasion. There was also a large and appreciative congregation. The unaccompanied singing was particularly effective, especially in the moving Purcell anthem. We are most grateful to Revd Sarah Forrest for asking us.
The choir was directed by Michael Smith from St Mary’s, Standon. Lynn Griffiths (organist of the Stanstead Abbotts group of churches) played the (hand-pumped) organ. The liturgy was the Book of Common Prayer (BCP) Evensong. There was a rehearsal at 5.00 p.m. with the service at 6 p.m. The choir did not robe but were asked to wear dark clothes. There was no procession in or out for the service. Please contact the Secretary for further details [email protected]
The music for the service was: Introit – If ye love me (Tallis); Responses (Ferial); Psalm 121 (Walford Davies); Canticles – Walmisley in D minor; Anthem – Thou knowest Lord (Purcell); Hymns: All my hope on God is founded, Abide with me, O Jesus I have promised (Wolvercote); National anthem – 2 verses. A booklet was provided with everything in and separate copies of the Canticles.
There are some more details about the church under our previous event which Evensong for St James on 24th July 2022. But these are the directions: post code SG12 8JZ with 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).