Music forms an important and enjoyable part of our worship at St Mary’s Eastham. The skills and dedication of our choir and organist are appreciated by our congregation.
We have a robed choir for most Sunday morning services. We also have lovely evensong services on the first Sunday of most months when the choir is sometimes joined by guest singers from other local choirs and churches.
The choir leads the singing of hymns in most of our services. They also sing some anthems and prayers in four part harmony. They are usually available to sing at weddings and funerals by arrangement.
To give you an idea of the sound of the choir, you can listen below to our church choir singing ‘God So Loved the World’ from ‘The Crucifixion’ by John Stainer.
We are very fortunate to have a fully functioning three manual pipe organ. Our regular church organist, Malcolm Perry is very accomplished. You can listen to a sample of organ music below.
St Mary’s Church Choir is led by Gail Davies. Gail has received a silver award from the Royal Society of Church Music.
The choir rehearses on Friday evenings. They would welcome new members, particularly those who sing bass and tenor. The choir is also open to children. We currently have three primary school children in our choir. If you or your child is interested, contact Gail via our church contact email contactstmaryseastham@gmail.com.
For most of our Sunday services, we have hymns and songs from Anglican Hymns Old and New.
At St Peter’s in Brookhurst Close, we have hymns and music from Mission Praise as part of our services.
At the Church Centre in Eastham Rake we have a variety of hymns and songs. Some worship songs have guitar accompaniment.
Free Organ Demonstration and Learning Opportunity
Malcolm Perry the Organist of St Mary’s, Eastham says:
“In response to the Royal College of Organists and its ambassador, Anna Lapwood, nominating 2025 as The Year of the Organ, I am offering to host a 2-hour event at the Parish Church, Eastham, from 10 am to 12 noon on 2 Saturday mornings in October (4th and 11th), when I will briefly demonstrate the workings of a pipe organ and then give those present the chance to “have a go” with the aim of encouraging people to learn to play what Mozart called “The King of Instruments”. It can produce a wonderful variety of sounds from the sweetest flute tone to the overwhelming grandeur of the full organ. I would be happy to provide tuition.”