Diocesan News20 Dec 16

St Anne’s Cathedral Choir gives Christmas concert in Banbridge

The Choir of St Anne’s Cathedral, Belfast, travelled to Banbridge on Wednesday December 14 to help the First Presbyterian Church (Non–Subscribing) celebrate its 300th anniversary.

The Cathedral’s Master of the Choristers David Stevens was accompanied by the Girls’ Choir and Lay Clerks.

The choir sang 5.30pm Evensong in St Anne’s before heading down the M1 and A1 in the Cathedral minibuses. They were welcomed by the minster the Rev Norman Hutton, and enjoyed some sustenance in the form of the ever reliable pizza!

The First Presbyterian Church (Non–Subscribing) was founded 300 years ago and 2016 also marks the 170th anniversary of the opening of the present church building in Downshire Road in Banbridge.

The original church was in Lurgan Road, in what is now known as Old Meeting House Green. The congregation worshipped there until 1846, when they moved to the impressive new church. A special 300th anniversary service was held in the church in September.

David had prepared a varied festive programme. He played the historic church organ and the choristers sang a number of items including the Advent Hymn Creator of the Stars of Night, Torches (John Joubert); Jesus Christ the apple tree (Ledger); Mary’s Magnificat (Andrew Carter); In the Bleak Midwinter (H Darke) and the Little Road to Bethlehem (M Head). Their rendition of O Holy Night (H Adam) was simply stunning.

There were congregational hymns including O come, O come Emmanuel, Once in Royal David’s City, Away in a Manger, Silent Night, While Shepherds Watched their Flocks by Night and Hark the Herald Angels Sing.

The audience was treated to some wonderful pieces played by David on the organ. These included Bach’s In dulci jubilo, Noel X (LC Daquin); The Holy Boy (J Ireland) Sleigh Ride (L Anderson)

Mr Hutton had invited representatives of other churches in Banbridge to do readings between the musical items.

Thanking David and the choir for a wonderful concert, Mr Hutton said the evening had been a fitting end to the church’s tercentennial celebrations.

The concert was free, but a retiring collection raised £600 and this will be divided between the Cathedral Black Santa Appeal and the St Anne’s Choir School Project. The organisers of this concert thank all those who attended for their generous support.