Sweet singing
The bells pealed through the chilly night air. Hundreds of well-wrapped figures scurried through the darkness and pools of gas-lit glow towards the bright lights of the Priory.
’One seat up here’ one service steward called to another. A grateful member of the congregation hurried over, quickly, and the spot was gone. ‘There’s space on the altar steps if you’re happy to sit on a kneeler’ ‘The only seats left are in St Anne’s Chapel’.
The warm, welcoming, Priory filled to capacity. The lights were lowered. Over 700 people fell perfectly silent. And into that silence a solo voice began to sing. ‘Creator of the starry height, thy people’s everlasting light’. The massed Priory Choirs processed, singing the age-old Gregorian chant, their music illuminated by candles.
After the introit, a Junior Chorister sang the first verse of ‘Once in Royal David’s City’. Confident, clear and pitched perfectly, the youngster’s voice filled the nave. It was the start of a service where the true meaning of Christmas sang out through words and music. From traditional choral works, to beautiful new settings by Piers Maxim, the Priory’s Director of Music, to congregational favourites and an amazing peal of bells from the Priory’s ringers. ‘Is it recorded?’ someone whispered to their neighbour as the sound came through the speaker system. Their question was answered as the broadcast sound was gently lowered, leaving just the distant sound of the bells heard through the ancient walls and windows.
Bishop Robert Paterson gave a thought-provoking reflection and blessed the huge congregation, before Cochereau’s ‘Sortie on Adeste Fideles’, played on the organ, once again filled the vast space.
The 10.30am service couldn’t have been more different! A joyous ‘Scratch Nativity’ recreated the Christmas story, with youngsters taking the key roles, supported by active congregational participation each time ‘holy holy holy’ or ‘help help help’ came up in the script. The Calypso Carol, ‘Little Donkey’, ‘Silent Night’, ‘O Little Town’, and most memorably ‘Away in a Manger’, sung by the children, completed a very memorable service.
Tomorrow brings the first of the two Christingle Services. There is a handful of tickets remaining for just the 23rd if you’re planning on coming - all are welcome at the Priory. For everyone’s safety, only assistance dogs can accompany their owners to Christingle Services. Well behaved dogs on leads are welcome at other Priory services.
Looking forward to welcoming you soon.
