On Sunday 23rd July (2023), EHCCA sang for this 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!).
A good number of singers assembled for the rehearsal and service – 34 in all. Though that made rather a tight squeeze at the west end of the church! It was also very good to be joined by a large congregation as well for the service. An ambitious programme of music was mostly sung successfully. With grateful thanks to the Trower family, the custom of excellent tea and cakes after the service was maintained and enjoyed by all those who had attended.
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.
SERVICE: 4.00 p.m. REHEARSAL: 2.00 p.m. Clergy: Rev. Sarah Forrest Music Director: Nathan Collins Organist: Stephen Penton
MUSIC: Introit: Lord,for Thy tender mercy’s sake – Farrant / Responses: Smith / Psalm 94 / Canticles (Mag & Nunc): Noble in B minor / Anthem: O how amiable are Thy dwellings – Vaughan Williams / Final Amen: Nathan Collins ………… and HYMNS: Lift up your hearts (Woodlands); Be thou my vision (Slane); O Jesus I have promised (Thornbury) . Choir members are asked to make a donation (£2 per adult) for hiring /printing of music scores and programmes. PLEASE NOTE: links to relevant music files and recordings are below.
Choir to wear robes or black+white. Choir and congregation are invited to refreshments afterwards at Stansteadbury House
REGISTER: Please register as soon as possible, either through your choir leader or directly to EHCCA Secretary, Dorothy Ayre: [email protected] / 01992 463121 / 13 Rumbold Road, Hoddesdon, Herts. EN11 0LP
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).
Farrant Lord for thy tender mercy’s sake Music Recording
Smith Responses Music Recording
Psalm 94 Music Chant in D minor recording Chant in D major recording
Canticles: Noble in B minor Music Recording (Mag) Recording (Nunc)
Vaughan Williams O how amiable are thy dwellings Music Recording
Final Amen (Collins) Music Sop recording Alto recording Tenor recording Bass recording