For a number of years, EHCCA has been asked to sing for a special Evensong in the amazing and old church of St James, Stansteadbury. A church that has no power (in our terms anyway). So candles provide light if it gets gloomy (or mobile phones as in 2021!).
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.
This year lacked the drama of last year but was nonetheless a splendid occasion. On Sunday 24th July, 26 singers gathered at 2.00 to rehearse. The service was at 4.00 p.m. We were joined by a good congregation – though one cannot be quite sure because the box pews mostly hide them! We are most grateful to Revd Sarah Forrest for leading the service. Afterwards, we all (choir and congregation) gathered on the lawns of Stanstead Bury House where the Trower family provided lovely tea and cakes.
The music for the service was : Introit – Wesley “Lead me Lord”; Responses – Smith in 5 parts; Mag & Nunc – Brewer in D; anthem – Rutter “All things bright and beautiful”; Sevenfold Amen. We are very grateful to Stephen Penton for playing the rather eccentric organ – and to the pumpers for pumping the bellows to provide the wind for the organ when required! Derek Harrison directed
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).