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Prayer Book Society

This is in not an official page, written by that organisation, but is ...

....my introduction to this society which I have recently joined -- and I do not know what has taken me so long. So far, I have been able only to attend three of the services recommended by my local branch - always because other duties and responsibilities (Church based or other official positions) have prevented me doing so.

I will not fill this page, generally, with my own opinions, but will leave it as one on which I will display excerpts from the literature of the society itself. To date, I have received two issues of the regular magazines issued and I can strongly commend them to anyone who loves the Prayer Book and wishes to know more about its authors and supporters.

Happily, the Minster church despite its change of role in this area still allows some (albeit peripheral) time to hold Prayer Book Services. The 8am Sunday service has been, for some years now, taken from the Book of Common Prayer and the choir is still able to sing Choral evensong (with full settings of the Canticles, and an anthem - as well, of course, as the evening's psalm) on a fairly regular basis- sometimes even twice monthly. Unfortunately, when seemingly more attractive/popular services are contemplated, it is the Evensong service which is shelved -a great pity - and there is little attempt made to encourage the congregation to make Evensong a regular part of their worship and service to the Lord.

Perhaps some day......

See the bottom of this page for forthcoming BCP services, both at the Minster and beyond. I will try, on this page, to also include any other such services of which I hear, as an additional service to BCP followers.

Book of Common Prayer Services at Sunderland Minster and by the Minster choir at other churches.

Every Sunday 8am HOLY COMMUNION

Sundays, 1st & 3rd in each month (usually) 6pm CHORAL EVENSONG***

PLEASE NOTE THAT CHORAL EVENSONG ON SUNDAY 18th MAY (TRINITY SUNDAY) WILL BE AT HOLY TRINITY CHURCH, EAST END.

(Almost all Choral Evensong services sung by the Minster choir, an Anthem is sung, as are and the Canticles - to full settings by composers such as Moeran, Stainer, Stanford, Sumpsion and Walmisley). The Preces & Responses with the Lords Prayer and Collects are also fully chanted.

***The next Choral Evensong, as described will not be held until Sunday 20th April at 6pm

Other Prayer Book Society services in the Durham Diocese & area

Sunday 23rd September 6:30pm CHORAL EVENSONG at St Helen, KELLOE.

I am very happy to say that I was able to attend this wonderful service, which seemed to be a celebration of all that is good about Anglican traditions and forms of service. The fact that the Sedgefield Deanery had again managed to pull together a choir from small parishes in the area, accompanied by an extremely talented organist, and in the space of two rehearsals managed to accomplish a well-sung service was particularly commendable and cause, in itself, for those who attended to realise that Prayer Book traditions are a long way from being dead.

It was, if anything, there to provide an impetus to those of us who feel strongly about our preferences to stand up and be counted and to ensure that the tradition continues - alongside, of course, the modern services which others may well prefer. Having said this, it must surely be recognised that there is a new generation of Anglicans who do not know about the joyful depths of the Old liturgies and surely it behoves all churches, (and this means their clergy), to provide and urge their congregations to attend such Prayer Book Services.

There must have been something like a hundred folk present taking full advantage of the opportunity to absorb the serene gravitas of this happy service. My personal thanks to all involved, and also for introducing me to this wonderful old church, to which I must make a return visit.

Sunday, November 25^th at 6.30pm Choral Evensong at St. Aidan’s, Chilton, took place as scheduled and was another extremely uplifting service, attended by upwards of 75 folk, We have, again, to thank Mr Gray for his great work in arranging these services. The combined choir did excellent work, once again, with only two practices and I very much look forward to the next such event

Sunday, March 9^th at 6.30pm St. Edmund’s, Sedgefield.Another excellent attendance - in the region of 100 folk - rewarded the organisers, and there was again an excellent Choir turn-out. For a 'scratch' choir, they do very well and my performer instinct made me wish to be of their number. Once again, this was a full choral service, enhanced by congregation participation in five -or was it six? - hymns. --- and certainly, the good Lord was present !

Once again, thanks to all who provided this opportunity.

Page updated by David Herring 24/05/2008