Music & Hymns

St John’s provides a professional musician (organist) to provide music at all funerals and memorial services in the church. Those arranging the service are invited to have as much input into the selection of the music and hymns as they wish to, and may also arrange for other musicians and vocalists to be involved, in consultation with St John’s.

Music

There is normally music as the congregation gather (for approximately 20 minutes prior to the service commencing), and as the congregation leave (the postlude). There may also be a musical reflection during the service.

Hymns

There may be one or more hymns (usually not more than three).

Some popular hymns

Praise, my soul, the King of Heaven

Dear Lord and Father of Mankind

And did those feet (Jerusalem)

Abide with me

I vow to thee my country

The Lord’s my shephed

Guide me O thou great Jehovah

Eternal Father, strong to save

Immortal, invisible, God only wise

Be still my soul

Make me a channel of your peace

Thine be the glory

Solists and the Choir

St John’s has an excellent choir. The full choir, or as many as can be present, or one or more principal soloists, may be engaged to lead the singing of hymns at the service and / or to provide musical items, anthems, or reflective pieces, as desired. This can be discussed directly with the Director of Music.

Recorded Music

Those organising funerals are welcome to request recorded music (on compact disc, phones or media players) be included in the wedding service. All such music must be appropriate for a funeral in the church, be approved by the clergy and be provided by those organising the funeral. St. John’s has the capability to play music from iPhones and compact discs, through the church sound system. 

Recessional Music

Music is played as the congregation leave the church, at a funeral following the casket of the deceased. It is an important moment in the ceremony. Some suggestions, for organ, are:

March from ‘Scipio’ (Handel)

Largo from ‘Xerxes’ (Handel)

Nimrod from ‘Enigma variations’ (Elgar)

Sheep may safely graze (Bach)

 

Director of Music & Organist

The Director of Music at St John’s is Zachary Hamilton-Russell